Functionally-modified oligonucleotides and subunits thereof

ABSTRACT

Functionally-modified oligonucleotide analogs comprising modified intersubunit linkages and/or modified 3′ and/or 5′-end groups are provided. The disclosed compounds are useful for the treatment of diseases where inhibition of protein expression or correction of aberrant mRNA splice products produces beneficial therapeutic effects.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/358,992, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,278,987, filed on May 16, 2014, which is a is a National Stage Entry of PCT/US2012/065350, filed on Nov. 15, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/561,806, filed on Nov. 18, 2011. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING SEQUENCE LISTING

The sequence listing associated with this application is provided in text format in lieu of a paper copy, and is hereby incorporated by reference into the specification. The name of the text file containing the sequence listing is 120178_498C1_SEQUENCE_LISTING.txt. The text file is about 13 KB, was created on Jan. 26, 2016, and is being submitted electronically via EFS-web.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention is generally related to oligonucleotide compounds (oligomers) useful as antisense compounds, and more particularly to oligomer compounds comprising modified intersubunit linkages and/or terminal groups, and the use of such oligomer compounds in antisense applications.

Description of the Related Art

Antisense oligomers are generally designed to bind in a sequence specific manner to DNA or RNA regions and alter the expression of disease-causing proteins. Requirements for successful implementation of antisense therapeutics include (a) stability in vivo, (b) sufficient membrane permeability and cellular uptake, and (c) a good balance of binding affinity and sequence specificity. Many oligonucleotide analogues have been developed in which the phosphodiester linkages of native DNA are replaced by other linkages that are resistant to nuclease degradation (see, e.g., Barawkar, D. A. et al., Proc. Na't'l Acad. Sci. USA 95(19):11047-52 (1998); Linkletter, B. A. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 29(11):2370-6 (2001); Micklefield, J., Curr, Med, Chem, 8(10):1157-79 (2001)). Antisense oligonucleotides having other various backbone modifications have also been prepared (Crooke, S. T., Antisense Drug Technology: Principles, Strategies, and Applications, New York, Marcel Dekker (2001); Micklefield, J., Curr, Med, Chem, 8(10):1157-79 (2001); Crooke, S. T., Antisense Drug Technology, Boca Raton, CRC Press (2008)). In addition, oligonucleotides have been modified by peptide conjugation in order to enhance cellular uptake (Moulton, H. M. et al., Bioconjug Chem 15(2):290-9 (2004); Nelson, M. H. et al., Bioconjug. Chem. 16(4):959-66 (2005); Moulton, H. M. et al., Biochim Biophys Acta (2010)).

The performance of such nucleic acid analogues as antisense or antigene drugs has been hampered by certain characteristics of the various analogues. For example, analogues with negatively charged linkages, including phosphorothioate-linked analogues, suffer from considerable electrostatic repulsion between the negative charges of the oligomer and the DNA or RNA target. The phosphorothioates also exhibit non-specific binding to other cellular components such as proteins. These attributes limit the therapeutic effectiveness of antisense oligomers comprised of native RNA, native DNA, and negatively charged analogues (Crooke, S. T., Antisense Drug Technology: Principles, Strategies, and Applications, New York, Marcel Dekker (2001); Crooke, S. T., Antisense Drug Technology, Boca Raton, CRC Press (2008)). The nonionic methylphosphonate-linked oligonucleotide analogues can be transported into cells by passive diffusion and/or fluid phase endocytosis, but their use is hampered by stereoisomeric complexity and poor solubility (Crooke, S. T., Antisense Drug Technology: Principles, Strategies, and Applications, New York, Marcel Dekker (2001); Micklefield, J., Curr, Med, Chem, 8(10):1157-79 (2001)).

Several groups have reported the synthesis of positively charged oligonucleotides (Bailey, C. P. et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 26(21):4860-7 (1998); Micklefield, J., Curr, Med, Chem, 8(10):1157-79 (2001); Egli, M. et al., Biochemistry 44(25):9045-57 (2005)). For example, a class of guanidinium linked nucleosides (designated DNG), formed by replacement of the phosphate linkages in DNA and RNA by achiral guanidino groups, has been reported (Dempcy, R. O. et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 91(17):7864-8 (1994); Dempcy, R. O. et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 93(9):4326-30 (1996); Barawkar, D. A. et al., Proc. Na't'l Acad. Sci. USA 95(19):11047-52 (1998); Linkletter, B. A. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 29(11):2370-6 (2001)). Oligomers linked with positively charged methylated thiourea linkages have also been reported (Arya, D. P. et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci USA 96(8): 4384-9 (1999)). Replacement of some of these linkages with neutral urea linkages has been reported to reduce the tendency of such positively charged oligomers towards non-sequence-specific binding (Linkletter, B. A. et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. 8(8):1893-901 (2000)). Morpholino oligomers containing (1-piperazino) phosphinylideneoxy and (1-(4-(ω-guanidino-alkanoyl))-piperazino) phosphinylideneoxy linkages have been described previously (see e.g., WO2008036127).

Although significant progress has been made, there remains a need in the art for oligonucleotide analogues with improved antisense or antigene performance. Such improved antisense or antigene performance includes; stronger affinity for DNA and RNA without compromising sequence selectivity; improved pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution; improved cellular delivery and reliable and controllable in vivo distribution.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Compounds of the present invention address these issues and provide improvements over existing antisense molecules in the art. Modification of the intersubunit linkages and/or conjugation of terminal moieties to the 5′ and/or 3′ terminus of an oligonucleotide analogue, for example a morpholino oligonucleotide, results in an antisense oligomer having superior properties. For example, in certain embodiments the disclosed oligomers have enhanced cell delivery, potency, and/or tissue distribution compared to other oligonucleotide analogues and/or can be effectively delivered to the target organs. These superior properties give rise to favorable therapeutic indices, reduced clinical dosing, and lower cost of goods.

In one embodiment, described herein are compounds comprising a backbone, the backbone comprising a sequence of morpholino ring structures joined by intersubunit linkages, the intersubunit linkages joining a 3′-end of one morpholino ring structure to a 5′-end of an adjacent morpholino ring structure, wherein each morpholino ring structure is bound to a base-pairing moiety, such that the compound can bind in a sequence-specific manner to a target nucleic acid.

In one aspect is a compound having the structure of Formula (I):

or a salt or isomer thereof,

wherein:

-   -   n is an integer from 1 to 50;     -   G⁵ is halogen, OH, alkoxy, OSO₂(alkyl), OSO₂(aryl), or

-   -   each B is an independently selected base pair moiety;     -   each Y is independently O or NR¹⁰; optionally, R¹⁰ and X8e are         bonded together form a ring;     -   each W is independently S or O;     -   Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵), -(L¹¹)-(L⁵)-(R¹⁶), or -(L¹¹)-(L¹²)-(R¹⁷);     -   L¹¹ is selected from:

wherein L¹³ is selected from:

-   -   L¹² is a linker cleaveable under biological conditions selected         from:     -   a) —(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-OC(O)O—CH₂O—;     -   b) —C(O)—(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-OC(O)O—CH₂O—;     -   c) —C(O)—(CH═CH)—C(O)O—CH₂O—;     -   d) —(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-S—S—CH₂CH₂O—; or     -   e) —C(O)—(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-S—S—CH₂CH₂O—;     -   L¹⁵ is divalent radical selected from C₁-C₃₀ alkylene, C₃-C₈         cycloalkylene, C₆-C₃₀ arylene, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀         alkylene)-, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₂-C₃₀ alkoxy)-C(═O)—,         -(3-18 membered heteroalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈         cycloalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈ cycloalkylene)-(C₁-C₃₀         alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene) (C₃-C₈         cycloalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀         arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-(C₆-C₃₀         arylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈         cycloalkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₇-C₃₀ arylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀         arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀         alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —C(═O)OR²¹, or —P(═O)(R²²)₂;     -   R¹² is an electron pair, with the provision that if R¹³ is         C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, then R¹² is an electron pair, an N-oxide, or C₁-C₆         alkyl;     -   each R¹⁰ and R¹³ is independently selected from hydrogen, a         cell-penetrating peptide, a natural or non-natural amino acid,         guanidinyl, amidinyl, heterocyclyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₃-C₈         cycloalkyl; C₆-C₃₀ aryl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl,         C₃-C₈ cycloalkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, C₆-C₃₀         arylcarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl,         C₃-C₈ cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₈-C₃₀         aralkyloxycarbonyl, —C(═O)OR²¹, —C(═O)NHR²¹, or —P(═O)(R²²)₂;     -   R¹⁵ is independently selected from a cell-penetrating peptide, a         natural or non-natural amino acid, guanidinyl, amidinyl,         heterocyclyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl; C₆-C₃₀ aryl,         C₇-C₃₀ aralkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylcarbonyl,         C₃-C₈ cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, C₆-C₃₀ arylcarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀         aralkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl, C₃-C₈         cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₈-C₃₀         aralkyloxycarbonyl, 3-18 membered alkoxyalkylcarbonyl, —SO₂R²¹,         —C(═O)OR²¹, —P(═O)(OH)₂ or —P(═O)(R²²)₂;     -   R¹⁶ is a solid support matrix suitable for solid phase synthesis         of oligonucleotides;     -   R¹⁷ is a drug, protein or toxin;     -   each R²¹ is independently C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, or a 3-18 membered         alkoxyalkyl group;     -   each R²² is independently an C₆-C₁₂ aryloxy;     -   each R²³ is independently H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; or optionally two         R²³ groups join to form a 3- to 8-membered ring;     -   R²⁴ is a C₁-C₆ alkylene;     -   Q is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or         X8;     -   each X is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6,         X7, or X8 with the provision that at least one X is not X1;     -   wherein     -   X1 is N(CH₃)₂;     -   X2 is selected from:     -   a) —O-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   b) —O-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   e) -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   f) -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   g) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H;     -   h) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄;     -   i) -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H;     -   j) -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄;     -   k) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   l) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   m) -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H;     -   n) -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄;     -   o) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   p) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   q) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CO₂H;     -   r) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CHN₄;     -   s) -L1-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   t) -L1-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   u) -L1-arylene-CO₂H;     -   v) -L1-arylene-CHN₄; and     -   w) a protected form of any of the above X2 groups;

X3 is selected from:

-   -   a) -L1-alkyl;     -   b) -L1-heterocyclyl;     -   c) —O-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   e) -L1-CNH—NH₂;     -   f) -L1-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   g) -L1-arylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   h) -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   i) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   j) -L1-CO-arylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   k) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   l) -L1-CONH-arylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   m) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   n) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   o) —O-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   p) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   q) -L1-N(R¹)₂;     -   r) -L1-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   s) -L1-arylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   t) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   u) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   v) -L1-CO-arylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   w) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   x) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   y) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   z) —O-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   aa) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   bb) -L1-N(R²)₃;     -   cc) -L1-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   dd) -L1-arylene-N(R²)₃;     -   ee) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   ff) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃;     -   gg) -L1-CO-arylene-N(R²)₃;     -   hh) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   ii) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R²)₃;     -   jj) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   kk) —O-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   ll) —N(R¹)-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   mm) -L1-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   nn) -L1-arylene-heterocyclyl;     -   oo) -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   pp) -L1-CO-alkenylene-heterocyclyl;     -   qq) -L1-CO-arylene-heterocyclyl;     -   rr) -L1-CONH-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   ss) -L1-CONH-arylene-heterocyclyl;     -   tt) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   uu) —O-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   vv) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   ww) -L1-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   xx) -L1-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂₃;     -   yy) -L1-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   zz) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   aaa) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂₃;     -   bbb) -L1-CO-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   ccc) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   ddd) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   eee) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   fff) —O-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   ggg) —N(R¹)-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   hhh) -L1-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   iii) -L1-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   jjj) -L1-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   kkk) -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   lll) -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   mmm) -L1-CO-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   nnn) -L1-CONH-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   ooo) -L1-CONH-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   ppp) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   qqq) -L1-SO₂-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; and     -   rrr) a protected form of any of the above X3 groups;     -   with the provision that if X1 is present as N(CH₃)₂, and X7 is         present as piperidinyl, then X3 is not

X4 is selected from:

-   -   a) —O-alkylene-aryl;     -   b) —N(R¹)-aryl;     -   c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-aryl;     -   d) -L1-CO-alkylene-aryl;     -   e) -L1-CO-alkenylene-aryl;     -   f) -L1-CO-arylene-aryl;     -   g) -L1-CONH-alkylene-aryl;     -   h) -L1-CONH-arylene-aryl;     -   i) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-aryl;     -   j) -L1-SO₂-arylene-aryl;     -   k) -L1-alkylene-aryl;     -   l) -L1-arylene-aryl;     -   m) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-aryl;     -   n) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-aryl;     -   o) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-aryl;     -   p) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-aryl;     -   q) -L1-aryl;     -   r) -L1-CO-aryl;     -   s) -L1-SO₂-aryl;     -   t) -L1-alkylene-P(aryl)₃;     -   u) -L1-CO-alkylene-P(aryl)₃;     -   v) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-P(aryl)₃; and     -   w) a protected form of any of the above X4 groups;

X5 is selected from:

-   -   a) —O-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   b) —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   c) -L1-CO-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   d) -L1-CO-alkenylene-heteroaryl;     -   e) -L1-CO-arylene-heteroaryl;     -   f) -L1-CONH-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   g) -L1-CONH-arylene-heteroaryl;     -   h) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   i) -L1-SO₂-arylene-heteroaryl;     -   j) -L1-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   k) -L1-arylene-heteroaryl;     -   l) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-heteroaryl;     -   m) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-heteroaryl;     -   n) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-heteroaryl;     -   o) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-heteroaryl;     -   p) -L1-heteroaryl; and     -   q) a protected form of any of the above X5 groups;

X6 is selected from:

-   -   a) —O-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   b) —O-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   e) —N(R¹)-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   f) —N(R¹)-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   g) -L1-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   h) -L1-CO-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   i) -L1-CO-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   j) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   k) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   l) -L1-CO-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   m) -L1-CO-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   n) -L1-SO₂-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   o) -L1-SO₂-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   p) -L1-CO—(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   q) -L1-CO—(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   r) —N(R¹)-(dibenzo-18-crown-6);     -   s) an aza-crown ether; and     -   t) a protected form of any of the above X6 groups;

X7 is selected from:

-   -   a) -heterocyclyl;     -   b) —N(R¹)(R³)     -   c) -L1-hydrogen;     -   d) -L1-alkyl;     -   e) -L1-CO-alkyl;     -   f) -L1-CONH-alkyl;     -   g) -L1-CON(alkyl)-alkyl;     -   h) -L1-SO₂-alkyl; and     -   i) a protected form of any of the above X7 groups;     -   with the provision that if X1 is present as N(CH₃)₂, and X3 is         present as

-   -    then X7 is not piperdinyl;

X8 is selected from:

-   -   a) -L1-CA;     -   b) -L1-dCA;     -   c) -L1-COCH₂(R⁴)     -   d) -L1-COCH(R⁴)NHCO₂-alkyl;     -   e) —OR⁵, wherein R⁵ and R¹⁰ together form a ring;     -   f) a protected form of any of the above X8 groups;

each R¹ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or a cell-penetrating peptide;

each R² is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl or optionally when two R² are C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, two R² are joined to form a heterocyclic ring;

each R³ is independently C₂-C₁₈ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl;

each R⁴ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, sulfhydrylalkyl, or arylalkyl;

each R⁵ is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;

each R⁶ is independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;

L1 is selected from:

and

wherein

-   -   each Q¹ and Q² are each selected from a bond, —O— or —N(R⁶)—;     -   each E¹ is independently selected from optionally substituted         aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;     -   each E² is independently an optionally substituted nitrogen         containing heteroaryl;     -   each L⁴ and L⁵ are each independently a bond, optionally         substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, or optionally substituted heteroalkyl;         and     -   m, p, q, s, and t are each independently 1-4.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of inhibiting production of a protein, the method comprising exposing a nucleic acid encoding the protein to an oligomer of the present disclosure.

In another embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a method of treating a disease in a subject, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an oligomer. Methods of making the oligomers and methods for their use are also provided.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent upon reference to the following detailed description. To this end, various references are set forth herein which describe in more detail certain background information, procedures, compounds and/or compositions, and are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates preparation of a linker for solid-phase synthesis;

FIG. 2 illustrates preparation of a solid support for oligomer synthesis;

FIG. 3 illustrates solid phase synthesis of oligomers; and

FIG. 4 illustrates cleavage of oligomer from solid support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” Further, headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Also, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms below, as used herein, have the following meanings, unless indicated otherwise:

“Amino” refers to the —NH₂ radical.

“Cyano” or “nitrile” refers to the —CN radical.

“Hydroxy” or “hydroxyl” refers to the —OH radical.

“Imino” refers to the ═NH substituent.

“Guanidinyl” refers to the —NHC(═NH)NH₂ substituent.

“Amidinyl” refers to the —C(═NH)NH₂ substituent.

“Nitro” refers to the —NO₂ radical.

“Oxo” refers to the ═O substituent.

“Thioxo” refers to the ═S substituent.

“Cholate” or “CA” refers to the following structure:

“Deoxycholate” or “dCA” refers to the following structure:

“Alkyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical which is saturated or unsaturated (i.e., contains one or more double and/or triple bonds), having from one to thirty carbon atoms, and which is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. Alkyls comprising any number of carbon atoms from 1 to are included. An alkyl comprising up to 30 carbon atoms is referred to as a C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, likewise, for example, an alkyl comprising up to 12 carbon atoms is a C₁-C₁₂ alkyl. Alkyls (and other moieties defined herein) comprising other numbers of carbon atoms are represented similarly. Alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₅ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₃ alkyl, C₁-C₂ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkyl, C₃-C₈ alkyl and C₄-C₈ alkyl. Representative alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, 1-methylethyl (iso-propyl), n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, n-pentyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl (t-butyl), 3-methylhexyl, 2-methylhexyl, ethenyl, prop-1-enyl, but-1-enyl, pent-1-enyl, penta-1,4-dienyl, ethynyl, propynyl, but-2-ynyl, but-3-ynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Alkylene” or “alkylene chain” refers to a straight or branched divalent hydrocarbon chain linking the rest of the molecule to a radical group. Alkylenes may be saturated or unsaturated (i.e., contains one or more double and/or triple bonds). Representative alkylenes include, but are not limited to, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, C₁-C₈ alkylene, C₁-C₆ alkylene, C₁-C₄ alkylene, C₁-C₃ alkylene, C₁-C₂ alkylene, C₁ alkylene. Representative alkylene groups include, but are not limited to, methylene, ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, ethenylene, propenylene, n-butenylene, propynylene, n-butynylene, and the like. The alkylene chain is attached to the rest of the molecule through a single or double bond and to the radical group through a single or double bond. The points of attachment of the alkylene chain to the rest of the molecule and to the radical group can be through one carbon or any two carbons within the chain. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkylene chain may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Alkoxy” refers to a radical of the formula —OR_(a) where R_(a) is an alkyl radical as defined. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkoxy group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Alkoxyalkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R_(b)OR_(a) where R_(a) is an alkyl radical as defined and where R_(b) is an alkylene radical as defined. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkoxyalkyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Alkoxyalkylcarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)R_(b)OR_(a) where R_(a) is an alkyl radical as defined and where R_(b) is an alkylene radical as defined. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkoxyalkylcarbonyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Alkylcarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)R_(a) where R_(a) is an alkyl radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkylcarbonyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Alkyloxycarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)OR_(a) where R_(a) is an alkyl radical as defined. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkyloxycarbonyl group may be optionally substituted as described below. Representative alkyloxycarbonyl groups include, but are not limited to —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OH, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₃, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₃, or —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₃.

“Heteroalkylene” refers to an alkylene radical as described above where one or more carbon atoms of the alkylene is replaced with a O, N or S atom. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the heteroalkylene group may be optionally substituted as described below. Representative heteroalkylene groups include, but are not limited to —OCH₂CH₂O—, —OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂O—, or —OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂O—.

“Alkylamino” refers to a radical of the formula —NHR_(a) or —NR_(a)R_(a) where each R_(a) is, independently, an alkyl radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkylamino group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Amidyl” refers to a radical of the formula —N(H)C(═O)—R_(a) where R_(a) is an alkyl or aryl radical as defined herein. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an amidyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Amidinylalkyl” refers a radical of the formula —R_(b)—C(═NH)NH₂ where R_(b) is an alkylene radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an amidinylalkyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Amidinylalkylcarbonyl” refers a radical of the formula —C(═O)R_(b)—C(═NH)NH₂ where R_(b) is an alkylene radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an amidinylalkylcarbonyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Aminoalkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R_(b)—NR_(a)R_(a) where R_(b) is an alkylene radical as defined above, and each R_(a) is independently a hydrogen or an alkyl radical.

“Thioalkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —SR_(a) where R_(a) is an alkyl radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a thioalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Aryl” refers to a radical derived from a hydrocarbon ring system comprising hydrogen, 6 to 30 carbon atoms and at least one aromatic ring. The aryl radical may be a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, which may include fused or bridged ring systems. Aryl radicals include, but are not limited to, aryl radicals derived from the hydrocarbon ring systems of aceanthrylene, acenaphthylene, acephenanthrylene, anthracene, azulene, benzene, chrysene, fluoranthene, fluorene, as-indacene, s-indacene, indane, indene, naphthalene, phenalene, phenanthrene, pleiadene, pyrene, and triphenylene. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the term “aryl” or the prefix “ar-” (such as in “aralkyl”) is meant to include aryl radicals that are optionally substituted.

“Aralkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R_(b)—R_(c) where R_(b) is an alkylene chain as defined above and R_(c) is one or more aryl radicals as defined above. Examples of aralkyl include, but are not limited to, benzyl, diphenylmethyl, trityl and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an aralkyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Arylcarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)R_(c) where R_(c) is one or more aryl radicals as defined above, for example, phenyl. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an arylcarbonyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Aryloxycarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)OR_(c) where R_(c) is one or more aryl radicals as defined above, for example, phenyl. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an aryloxycarbonyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Aralkylcarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)R_(b)—R_(c) where R_(b) is an alkylene chain as defined above and R is one or more aryl radicals as defined above, for example, phenyl. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an aralkylcarbonyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Aralkyloxycarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)OR_(b)—R_(c) where R_(b) is an alkylene chain as defined above and R_(c) is one or more aryl radicals as defined above, for example, phenyl. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an aralkyloxycarbonyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Aryloxy” refers to a radical of the formula —OR_(c) where R_(c) is one or more aryl radicals as defined above, for example, phenyl. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an arylcarbonyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Cycloalkyl” refers to a stable, non-aromatic, monocyclic or polycyclic carbocyclic ring, which may include fused or bridged ring systems, which is saturated or unsaturated, and attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. Representative cycloalkyls include, but are not limited to, cycloalkyls having from three to fifteen carbon atoms, from three to ten carbon atoms, from three to eight carbon atoms, from three to six carbon atoms, from three to five carbon atoms, or three to four carbon atoms. Monocyclic cycloalkyl radicals include, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. Polycyclic radicals include, for example, adamantyl, norbornyl, decalinyl, and 7,7-dimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl. Unless otherwise stated specifically in the specification, a cycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Cycloalkylalkyl” refers to a radical of the formula —R_(b)R_(d) where R_(b) is an alkylene chain as defined above and R_(d) is a cycloalkyl radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a cycloalkylalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Cycloalkylcarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)R_(d) where R_(d) is a cycloalkyl radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a cycloalkylcarbonyl group may be optionally substituted.

Cycloalkyloxycarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(═O)OR_(d) where R_(d) is a cycloalkyl radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a cycloalkyloxycarbonyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Fused” refers to any ring structure described herein which is fused to an existing ring structure. When the fused ring is a heterocyclyl ring or a heteroaryl ring, any carbon atom on the existing ring structure which becomes part of the fused heterocyclyl ring or the fused heteroaryl ring may be replaced with a nitrogen atom.

“Guanidinylalkyl” refers a radical of the formula —R_(b)—NHC(═NH)NH₂ where R_(b) is an alkylene radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a guanidinylalkyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Guanidinylalkylcarbonyl” refers a radical of the formula —C(═O)R_(b)—NHC(═NH)NH₂ where R_(b) is an alkylene radical as defined above. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a guanidinylalkylcarbonyl group may be optionally substituted as described below.

“Halo” or “halogen” refers to bromo, chloro, fluoro or iodo.

“Haloalkyl” refers to an alkyl radical, as defined above, that is substituted by one or more halo radicals, as defined above, e.g., trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1,2-difluoroethyl, 3-bromo-2-fluoropropyl, 1,2-dibromoethyl, and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a haloalkyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Perhalo” or “perfluoro” refers to a moiety in which each hydrogen atom has been replaced by a halo atom or fluorine atom, respectively.

“Heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclic ring” refers to a stable 3- to 24-membered non-aromatic ring radical comprising 2 to 23 carbon atoms and from one to 8 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous and sulfur. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the heterocyclyl radical may be a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, which may include fused or bridged ring systems; and the nitrogen, carbon or sulfur atoms in the heterocyclyl radical may be optionally oxidized; the nitrogen atom may be optionally quaternized; and the heterocyclyl radical may be partially or fully saturated. Examples of such heterocyclyl radicals include, but are not limited to, dioxolanyl, thienyl[1,3]dithianyl, decahydroisoquinolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, octahydroindolyl, octahydroisoindolyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, quinuclidinyl, thiazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, trithianyl, tetrahydropyranyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl, 1-oxo-thiomorpholinyl, 1,1-dioxo-thiomorpholinyl, 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5, 18-crown-6, 21-crown-7, aza-18-crown-6, diaza-18-crown-6, aza-21-crown-7, and diaza-21-crown-7. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a heterocyclyl group may be optionally substituted.

“Heteroaryl” refers to a 5- to 14-membered ring system radical comprising hydrogen atoms, one to thirteen carbon atoms, one to six heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous and sulfur, and at least one aromatic ring. For purposes of this invention, the heteroaryl radical may be a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, which may include fused or bridged ring systems; and the nitrogen, carbon or sulfur atoms in the heteroaryl radical may be optionally oxidized; the nitrogen atom may be optionally quaternized. Examples include, but are not limited to, azepinyl, acridinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzindolyl, benzodioxolyl, benzofuranyl, benzooxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzo[b][1,4]dioxepinyl, 1,4-benzodioxanyl, benzonaphthofuranyl, benzoxazolyl, benzodioxolyl, benzodioxinyl, benzopyranyl, benzopyranonyl, benzofuranyl, benzofuranonyl, benzothienyl (benzothiophenyl), benzotriazolyl, benzo[4,6]imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, carbazolyl, cinnolinyl, dibenzofuranyl, dibenzothiophenyl, furanyl, furanonyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indazolyl, isoindolyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, isoquinolyl, indolizinyl, isoxazolyl, naphthyridinyl, oxadiazolyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, oxazolyl, oxiranyl, 1-oxidopyridinyl, 1-oxidopyrimidinyl, 1-oxidopyrazinyl, 1-oxidopyridazinyl, 1-phenyl-1H-pyrrolyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinolinyl, quinuclidinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, triazinyl, and thiophenyl (i.e., thienyl). Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, a heteroaryl group may be optionally substituted.

All the above groups may be either substituted or unsubstituted. The term “substituted” as used herein means any of the above groups (i.e., alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkyloxycarbonyl, alkylamino, amidyl, amidinylalkyl, amidinylalkylcarbonyl, aminoalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, arylcarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, aralkyloxycarbonyl, aryloxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkylcarbonyl, cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, guanidinylalkyl, guanidinylalkylcarbonyl, haloalkyl, heterocyclyl and/or heteroaryl), may be further functionalized wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by a bond to a non-hydrogen atom substituent. Unless stated specifically in the specification, a substituted group may include one or more substituents selected from: oxo, —CO₂H, nitrile, nitro, hydroxyl, thiooxy, alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkyloxycarbonyl, aryl, aralkyl, arylcarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, aralkyloxycarbonyl, aryloxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkylcarbonyl, cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, dialkylamines, arylamines, alkylarylamines, diarylamines, trialkylammonium (—N⁺R₃), N-oxides, imides, and enamines; a silicon atom in groups such as trialkylsilyl groups, dialkylarylsilyl groups, alkyldiarylsilyl groups, triarylsilyl groups, perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkoxy, for example, trifluoromethyl or trifluoromethoxy. “Substituted” also means any of the above groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by a higher-order bond (e.g., a double- or triple-bond) to a heteroatom such as oxygen in oxo, carbonyl, carboxyl, and ester groups; and nitrogen in groups such as imines, oximes, hydrazones, and nitriles. For example, “substituted” includes any of the above groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced with —NR_(g)C(═O)NR_(g)R_(h), —NR_(g)C(═O)OR_(h), —NR_(g)SO₂R_(h), —OC(═O)NR_(g)R_(h), —OR_(g), —SR_(g), —SOR_(g), —SO₂R_(g), —OSO₂R_(g), —SO₂OR_(g), ═NSO₂R_(g), and —SO₂NR_(g)R_(h). “Substituted” also means any of the above groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced with —C(═O)R_(g), —C(═O)OR_(g), —CH₂SO₂R_(g), —CH₂SO₂NR_(g)R_(h), —SH, —SR_(g) or —SSR_(g). In the foregoing, R_(g) and R_(h) are the same or different and independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylamino, thioalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, haloalkyl, heterocyclyl, N-heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl, N-heteroaryl and/or heteroarylalkyl. In addition, each of the foregoing substituents may also be optionally substituted with one or more of the above substituents. Furthermore, any of the above groups may be substituted to include one or more internal oxygen or sulfur atoms. For example, an alkyl group may be substituted with one or more internal oxygen atoms to form an ether or polyether group. Similarly, an alkyl group may be substituted with one or more internal sulfur atoms to form a thioether, disulfide, etc. Amidyl moieties may be substituted with up to 2 halo atoms, while other groups above may be substituted with one or more halo atoms. With the exception of alkyl groups, all other groups may also be substituted with amino or monoalklyamino. With the exception of alkyl and alkylcarbonyl groups, all other groups may also be substituted with guanidinyl or amidinyl. Optional substitutents for any of the above groups also include arylphosphoryl, for example —R_(a)P(Ar)₃ wherein Ra is an alkylene and Ar is aryl moiety, for example phenyl.

The terms “antisense oligomer” or “antisense compound” are used interchangeably and refer to a sequence of subunits, each having a base carried on a backbone subunit composed of ribose or other pentose sugar or morpholino group, and where the backbone groups are linked by intersubunit linkages that allow the bases in the compound to hybridize to a target sequence in a nucleic acid (typically an RNA) by Watson-Crick base pairing, to form a nucleic acid:oligomer heteroduplex within the target sequence. The oligomer may have exact sequence complementarity to the target sequence or near complementarity. Such antisense oligomers are designed to block or inhibit translation of the mRNA containing the target sequence, and may be said to be “directed to” a sequence with which it hybridizes.

A “morpholino oligomer” or “PMO” refers to a polymeric molecule having a backbone which supports bases capable of hydrogen bonding to typical polynucleotides, wherein the polymer lacks a pentose sugar backbone moiety, and more specifically a ribose backbone linked by phosphodiester bonds which is typical of nucleotides and nucleosides, but instead contains a ring nitrogen with coupling through the ring nitrogen. An exemplary“morpholino” oligomer comprises morpholino subunit structures linked together by (thio)phosphoramidate or (thio)phosphorodiamidate linkages, joining the morpholino nitrogen of one subunit to the 5′ exocyclic carbon of an adjacent subunit, each subunit comprising a purine or pyrimidine base-pairing moiety effective to bind, by base-specific hydrogen bonding, to a base in a polynucleotide. Morpholino oligomers (including antisense oligomers) are detailed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,698,685; 5,217,866; 5,142,047; 5,034,506; 5,166,315; 5,185,444; 5,521,063; 5,506,337 and pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/271,036; 12/271,040; and PCT publication number WO/2009/064471 all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

“PMO+” refers to phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers comprising any number of (1-piperazino)phosphinylideneoxy, (1-(4-(ω-guanidino-alkanoyl))-piperazino)phosphinylideneoxy linkages that have been described previously (see e.g., PCT publication WO/2008/036127 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

“PMO-X” refers to phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers disclosed herein.

A “phosphoramidate” group comprises phosphorus having three attached oxygen atoms and one attached nitrogen atom, while a “phosphorodiamidate” group comprises phosphorus having two attached oxygen atoms and two attached nitrogen atoms.

“Thiophosphoramidate” or “thiophosphorodiamidate” linkages are phosphoramidate or phosphorodiamidate linkages, respectively, wherein one oxygen atom, typically the oxygen pendant to the backbone, is replaced with sulfur.

“Intersubunit linkage” refers to the linkage connecting two morpholino subunits.

“Charged”, “uncharged”, “cationic” and “anionic” as used herein refer to the predominant state of a chemical moiety at near-neutral pH, e.g., about 6 to 8. For example, the term may refer to the predominant state of the chemical moiety at physiological pH, that is, about 7.4.

“Lower alkyl” refers to an alkyl radical of one to six carbon atoms, as exemplified by methyl, ethyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, t-butyl, isoamyl, n-pentyl, and isopentyl. In certain embodiments, a “lower alkyl” group has one to four carbon atoms. In other embodiments a “lower alkyl” group has one to two carbon atoms; i.e. methyl or ethyl. Analogously, “lower alkenyl” refers to an alkenyl radical of two to six, preferably three or four, carbon atoms, as exemplified by allyl and butenyl.

A “non-interfering” substituent is one that does not adversely affect the ability of an antisense oligomer as described herein to bind to its intended target. Such substituents include small and/or relatively non-polar groups such as methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, or fluoro.

An oligonucleotide or antisense oligomer “specifically hybridizes” to a target polynucleotide if the oligomer hybridizes to the target under physiological conditions, with a Tm greater than 37° C., greater than 45° C., preferably at least 50° C., and typically 60° C.-80° C. or higher. The “Tm” of an oligomer is the temperature at which 50% hybridizes to a complementary polynucleotide. Tm is determined under standard conditions in physiological saline, as described, for example, in Miyada et al., Methods Enzymol. 154:94-107 (1987). Such hybridization may occur with “near” or “substantial” complementary of the antisense oligomer to the target sequence, as well as with exact complementarity.

Polynucleotides are described as “complementary” to one another when hybridization occurs in an antiparallel configuration between two single-stranded polynucleotides. Complementarity (the degree that one polynucleotide is complementary with another) is quantifiable in terms of the proportion of bases in opposing strands that are expected to form hydrogen bonds with each other, according to generally accepted base-pairing rules.

A first sequence is an “antisense sequence” with respect to a second sequence if a polynucleotide whose sequence is the first sequence specifically binds to, or specifically hybridizes with, the second polynucleotide sequence under physiological conditions.

The term “targeting sequence” is the sequence in the oligonucleotide analog that is complementary (meaning, in addition, substantially complementary) to the target sequence in the RNA genome. The entire sequence, or only a portion, of the analog compound may be complementary to the target sequence. For example, in an analog having 20 bases, only 12-14 may be targeting sequences. Typically, the targeting sequence is formed of contiguous bases in the analog, but may alternatively be formed of non-contiguous sequences that when placed together, e.g., from opposite ends of the analog, constitute sequence that spans the target sequence.

Target and targeting sequences are described as “complementary” to one another when hybridization occurs in an antiparallel configuration. A targeting sequence may have “near” or “substantial” complementarity to the target sequence and still function for the purpose of the presently described methods, that is, still be “complementary.” Preferably, the oligonucleotide analog compounds employed in the presently described methods have at most one mismatch with the target sequence out of 10 nucleotides, and preferably at most one mismatch out of 20. Alternatively, the antisense oligomers employed have at least 90% sequence homology, and preferably at least 95% sequence homology, with the exemplary targeting sequences as designated herein. For purposes of complementary binding to an RNA target, and as discussed below, a guanine base may be complementary to either a cytosine or uracil RNA base.

A “heteroduplex” refers to a duplex between an oligonucleotide analog and the complementary portion of a target RNA. A “nuclease-resistant heteroduplex” refers to a heteroduplex formed by the binding of an antisense oligomer to its complementary target, such that the heteroduplex is substantially resistant to in vivo degradation by intracellular and extracellular nucleases, such as RNAse H, which are capable of cutting double-stranded RNA/RNA or RNA/DNA complexes.

An agent is “actively taken up by mammalian cells” when the agent can enter the cell by a mechanism other than passive diffusion across the cell membrane. The agent may be transported, for example, by “active transport”, referring to transport of agents across a mammalian cell membrane by e.g. an ATP-dependent transport mechanism, or by “facilitated transport”, referring to transport of antisense agents across the cell membrane by a transport mechanism that requires binding of the agent to a transport protein, which then facilitates passage of the bound agent across the membrane.

The terms “modulating expression” and/or “antisense activity” refer to the ability of an antisense oligomer to either enhance or, more typically, reduce the expression of a given protein, by interfering with the expression or translation of RNA. In the case of reduced protein expression, the antisense oligomer may directly block expression of a given gene, or contribute to the accelerated breakdown of the RNA transcribed from that gene. Morpholino oligomers as described herein are believed to act via the former (steric blocking) mechanism. Preferred antisense targets for steric blocking oligomers include the ATG start codon region, splice sites, regions closely adjacent to splice sites, and 5′-untranslated region of mRNA, although other regions have been successfully targeted using morpholino oligomers.

An “amino acid subunit” is preferably an α-amino acid residue (—CO—CHR—NH—); it may also be a β- or other amino acid residue (e.g. —CO—CH₂CHR—NH—), where R is an amino acid side chain.

The term “naturally occurring amino acid” refers to an amino acid present in proteins found in nature. The term “non-natural amino acids” refers to those amino acids not present in proteins found in nature; examples include beta-alanine (β-Ala) and 6-aminohexanoic acid (Ahx).

An “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount of antisense oligomer administered to a mammalian subject, either as a single dose or as part of a series of doses, which is effective to produce a desired therapeutic effect, typically by inhibiting translation of a selected target nucleic acid sequence.

“Treatment” of an individual (e.g. a mammal, such as a human) or a cell is any type of intervention used in an attempt to alter the natural course of the individual or cell. Treatment includes, but is not limited to, administration of a pharmaceutical composition, and may be performed either prophylactically or subsequent to the initiation of a pathologic event or contact with an etiologic agent.

A “tautomer” refers to a proton shift from one atom of a molecule to another atom of the same molecule. The compounds presented herein may exist as tautomers. Tautomers are compounds that are interconvertible by migration of a hydrogen atom, accompanied by a switch of a single bond and adjacent double bond. In bonding arrangements where tautomerization is possible, a chemical equilibrium of the tautomers will exist. All tautomeric forms of the compounds disclosed herein are contemplated. The exact ratio of the tautomers depends on several factors, including temperature, solvent, and pH. Some examples of tautomeric interconversions include:

Antisense Oligomers

A. Oligomers with Modified Intersubunit Linkages

As noted above, one embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to oligomers comprising novel intersubunit linkages. In some embodiments, the oligomers have higher affinity for DNA and RNA than do the corresponding unmodified oligomers and demonstrate improved cell delivery, potency, and/or tissue distribution properties compared to oligomers having other intersubunit linkages. The structural features and properties of the various linkage types and oligomers are described in more detail in the following discussion.

Applicants have found that enhancement of antisense activity, biodistribution and/or other desirable properties can be optimized by preparing oligomers having various intersubunit linkages. In one aspect is a compound having the structure of Formula (I):

or a salt or isomer thereof,

wherein:

-   -   n is an integer from 1 to 50;     -   G⁵ is halogen, OH, alkoxy, OSO₂(alkyl), OSO₂(aryl), or

-   -   each B is an independently selected base pair moiety;     -   each Y is independently O or NR¹⁰; optionally, R¹⁰ and X8e are         bonded together form a ring;     -   each W is independently S or O;     -   Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵), -(L¹¹)-(L¹⁵)-(R¹⁶), or -(L¹¹)-(L¹²)-(R¹⁷);     -   L¹¹ is selected from:

wherein L¹³ is selected from:

-   -   L¹² is a linker cleaveable under biological conditions selected         from:     -   a) —(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-OC(O)O—CH₂O—;     -   b) —C(O)—(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-OC(O)O—CH₂O—;     -   c) —C(O)—(CH═CH)—C(O)O—CH₂O—;     -   d) —(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-S—S—CH₂CH₂O—; or     -   e) C(O) (C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-S—S—CH₂CH₂O—;     -   L¹⁵ is divalent radical selected from C₁-C₃₀ alkylene, C₃-C₈         cycloalkylene, C₆-C₃₀ arylene, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀         alkylene)-, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₂-C₃₀ alkoxy)-C(═O)—,         -(3-18 membered heteroalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈         cycloalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈ cycloalkylene)-(C₁-C₃₀         alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene) (C₃-C₈         cycloalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀         arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-(C₆-C₃₀         arylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈         cycloalkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₇-C₃₀ arylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀         arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀         alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —C(═O)OR²¹, or —P(═O)(R²²)₂;     -   R¹² is an electron pair, with the provision that if R¹³ is         C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, then R¹² is an electron pair, an N-oxide, or C₁-C₆         alkyl;     -   each R¹⁰ and R¹³ is independently selected from hydrogen, a         cell-penetrating peptide, a natural or non-natural amino acid,         guanidinyl, amidinyl, heterocyclyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₃-C₈         cycloalkyl; C₆-C₃₀ aryl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl,         C₃-C₈ cycloalkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, C₆-C₃₀         arylcarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl,         C₃-C₈ cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₈-C₃₀         aralkyloxycarbonyl, —C(═O)OR²¹, —C(═O)NHR²¹, or —P(═O)(R²²)₂;

R¹⁵ is independently selected from a cell-penetrating peptide, a natural or non-natural amino acid, guanidinyl, amidinyl, heterocyclyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl; C₆-C₃₀ aryl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, C₆-C₃₀ arylcarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₈-C₃₀ aralkyloxycarbonyl, 3-18 membered alkoxyalkylcarbonyl, —SO₂R²¹, —C(═O)OR²¹, —P(═O)(OH)₂ or —P(═O)(R²²)₂;

-   -   R¹⁶ is a solid support matrix suitable for solid phase synthesis         of oligonucleotides;     -   R¹⁷ is a drug, protein or toxin;     -   each R²¹ is independently C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, or a 3-18 membered         alkoxyalkyl group;     -   each R²² is independently an C₆-C₁₂ aryloxy;     -   each R²³ is independently H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; or optionally two         R²³ groups join to form a 3- to 8-membered ring;     -   R²⁴ is a C₁-C₆ alkylene;     -   Q is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or         X8;

each X is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8 with the provision that at least one X is not X1;

wherein

-   -   X1 is N(CH₃)₂;     -   X2 is selected from:     -   a) —O-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   b) —O-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   e) -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   f) -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   g) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H;     -   h) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄;     -   i) -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H;     -   j) -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄;     -   k) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   l) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   m) -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H;     -   n) -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄;     -   o) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   p) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CHN₄     -   q) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CO₂H;     -   r) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CHN₄;     -   s) -L1-alkylene-CO₂H;     -   t) -L1-alkylene-CHN₄;     -   u) -L1-arylene-CO₂H;     -   v) -L1-arylene-CHN₄; and     -   w) a protected form of any of the above X2 groups;

X3 is selected from:

-   -   a) -L1-alkyl;     -   b) -L1-heterocyclyl;     -   c) —O-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   e) -L1-CNH—NH₂;     -   f) -L1-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   g) -L1-arylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   h) -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   i) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   j) -L1-CO-arylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   k) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   l) -L1-CONH-arylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   m) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   n) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CNH—NH₂;     -   o) —O-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   p) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   q) -L1-N(R¹)₂;     -   r) -L1-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   s) -L1-arylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   t) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   u) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   v) -L1-CO-arylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   w) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   x) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   y) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R¹)₂;     -   z) —O-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   aa) —N(R¹)-allylene-N(R²)₃;     -   bb) -L1-N(R²)₃;     -   cc) -L1-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   dd) -L1-arylene-N(R²)₃;     -   ee) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   ff) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃;     -   gg) -L1-CO-arylene-N(R²)₃;     -   hh) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   ii) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R²)₃;     -   jj) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R²)₃;     -   kk) —O-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   ll) —N(R¹)-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   mm) -L1-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   nn) -L1-arylene-heterocyclyl;     -   oo) -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   pp) -L1-CO-alkenylene-heterocyclyl;     -   qq) -L1-CO-arylene-heterocyclyl;     -   rr) -L1-CONH-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   ss) -L1-CONH-arylene-heterocyclyl;     -   tt) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heterocyclyl;     -   uu) —O-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   vv) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   ww) -L1-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   xx) -L1-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂₃;     -   yy) -L1-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   zz) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   aaa) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂₃;     -   bbb) -L1-CO-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   ccc) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   ddd) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   eee) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂;     -   fff) —O-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   ggg) —N(R¹)-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   hhh) -L1-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   iii) -L1-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   jjj) -L1-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   kkk) -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   lll) -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   mmm) -L1-CO-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   nnn) -L1-CONH-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   ooo) -L1-CONH-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   ppp) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂;     -   qqq) -L1-SO₂-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; and     -   rrr) a protected form of any of the above X3 groups;     -   with the provision that if X1 is present as N(CH₃)₂, and X7 is         present as piperidinyl, then X3 is not

X4 is selected from:

-   -   a) —O-alkylene-aryl;     -   b) —N(R¹)-aryl;     -   c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-aryl;     -   d) -L1-CO-alkylene-aryl;     -   e) -L1-CO-alkenylene-aryl;     -   f) -L1-CO-arylene-aryl;     -   g) -L1-CONH-alkylene-aryl;     -   h) -L1-CONH-arylene-aryl;     -   i) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-aryl;     -   j) -L1-SO₂-arylene-aryl;     -   k) -L1-alkylene-aryl;     -   l) -L1-arylene-aryl;     -   m) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-aryl;     -   n) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-aryl;     -   o) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-aryl;     -   p) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-aryl;     -   q) -L1-aryl;     -   r) -L1-CO-aryl;     -   s) -L1-SO₂-aryl;     -   t) -L1-alkylene-P(aryl)₃;     -   u) -L1-CO-alkylene-P(aryl)₃;     -   v) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-P(aryl)₃; and     -   w) a protected form of any of the above X4 groups;

X5 is selected from:

-   -   a) —O-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   b) —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   c) -L1-CO-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   d) -L1-CO-alkenylene-heteroaryl;     -   e) -L1-CO-arylene-heteroaryl;     -   f) -L1-CONH-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   g) -L1-CONH-arylene-heteroaryl;     -   h) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   i) -L1-SO₂-arylene-heteroaryl;     -   j) -L1-alkylene-heteroaryl;     -   k) -L1-arylene-heteroaryl;     -   l) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-heteroaryl;     -   m) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-heteroaryl;     -   n) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-heteroaryl;     -   o) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-heteroaryl;     -   p) -L1-heteroaryl; and     -   q) a protected form of any of the above X5 groups;

X6 is selected from:

-   -   a) —O-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   b) —O-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   e) —N(R¹)-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   f) —N(R¹)-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   g) -L1-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   h) -L1-CO-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   i) -L1-CO-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   j) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   k) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   l) -L1-CO-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   m) -L1-CO-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   n) -L1-SO₂-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   o) -L1-SO₂-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   p) -L1-CO—(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH;     -   q) -L1-CO—(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃;     -   r) —N(R¹)-(dibenzo-18-crown-6);     -   s) an aza-crown ether; and     -   t) a protected form of any of the above X6 groups;

X7 is selected from:

-   -   a) -heterocyclyl;     -   b) —N(R¹)(R³)     -   c) -L1-hydrogen;     -   d) -L1-alkyl;     -   e) -L1-CO-alkyl;     -   f) -L1-CONH-alkyl;     -   g) -L1-CON(alkyl)-alkyl;     -   h) -L1-SO₂-alkyl; and     -   i) a protected form of any of the above X7 groups;     -   with the provision that if X1 is present as N(CH₃)₂, and X3 is         present as

-   -    then X7 is not piperdinyl;

X8 is selected from:

-   -   a) -L1-CA;     -   b) -L1-dCA;     -   c) -L1-COCH₂(R⁴)     -   d) -L1-COCH(R⁴)NHCO₂-alkyl;     -   e) —OR⁵, wherein R⁵ and R¹⁰ together form a ring;     -   f) a protected form of any of the above X8 groups;     -   each R¹ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or a cell-penetrating         peptide;     -   each R² is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl or optionally when two R²         are C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, two R² are joined to form a heterocyclic ring;     -   each R³ is independently C₂-C₁₈ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl;     -   each R⁴ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl,         sulfhydrylalkyl, or arylalkyl;     -   each R⁵ is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;     -   each R⁶ is independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl;     -   L1 is selected from:

wherein

-   -   each Q¹ and Q² are each selected from a bond, —O— or —N(R⁶)—;     -   each E¹ is independently selected from optionally substituted         aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;     -   each E² is independently an optionally substituted nitrogen         containing heteroaryl;     -   each L⁴ and L⁵ are each independently a bond, optionally         substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, or optionally substituted heteroalkyl;         and     -   m, p, q, s, and t are each independently 1-4.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵). In other embodiments, Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(L¹⁵)-(R¹⁶). In another embodiments, Z⁵ is -(L¹²)-(R¹⁷). In a further embodiment of Formula (I), each Y is independently O, NH, or NR¹⁰. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, each W is O. In yet a further embodiment, each R¹ is independently hydrogen or alkyl. In a further embodiment, each R² is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl. In yet a further embodiment, each X is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8.

In one embodiment is a compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵), each Y is independently O, NH, or NR¹⁰, each W is O, each R¹ is independently hydrogen or alkyl, each R² is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, each X is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8 and n is an integer from 1 to 35.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I), wherein n is 1, Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵), each Y is independently O, NH, or NR¹⁰, each W is O, each R¹ is independently hydrogen or alkyl, each R² is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, and X is selected from X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8. In some embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is 1, G⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, W is O. In another embodiment, Y is O. In another embodiment, R¹³ is aralkyl. In another embodiment R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group.

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I), wherein n is 1, G⁵ is halogen, W is O, Y is O, R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group, and X is X2. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I), wherein n is 1, G⁵ is halogen, W is O, Y is O, R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group, and X is X3. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I), wherein n is 1, G⁵ is halogen, W is O, Y is O, R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group, and X is X4. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I), wherein n is 1, G⁵ is halogen, W is O, Y is O, R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group, and X is X5. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I), wherein n is 1, G⁵ is halogen, W is O, Y is O, R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group, and X is X6. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I), wherein n is 1, G⁵ is halogen, W is O, Y is O, R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group, and X is X7. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I), wherein n is 1, G⁵ is halogen, W is O, Y is O, R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group, and X is X8.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein G⁵ is -(L¹³)-(L¹⁵)-(R¹⁶). In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein G⁵ is -(L¹³)-(R¹⁵). In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein G⁵ is -(L¹³)-(L¹²)-(R¹⁷).

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35 and G⁵ is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35 and W is O. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35 and Y is O. In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, and each X is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, and at least one X is X2. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is selected from —O-alkylene-CO₂H, —O-alkylene-CHN₄, —N(R¹)-alkylene-CO₂H, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —O-alkylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —O-alkylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is selected from —O-alkylene-CO₂H, —O-alkylene-CHN₄, —N(R¹)-alkylene-CO₂H, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-CHN₄, wherein -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In further embodiments, at least one X2 is selected from —N(H)CH₂CO₂H, —N(CH₃)CH₂CO₂H, —N(CH₂CH₃)CH₂CO₂H, —N(H)CH₂CH₂CO₂H, and —N(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —N(H)CH₂CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —N(CH₃)CH₂CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —N(CH₂CH₃)CH₂CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —N(H)CH₂CH₂CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is —N(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CO₂H. In further embodiments, at least one X2 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, at least one X2 is -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments at least one X2 is -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄. In further embodiments, at least one X2 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

In yet further embodiments, at least one X2 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

and -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In another embodiment, at least one X2 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

In another embodiment, at least one X2 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄, -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

and -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2 and X2 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2 and X2 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2, and X2 is selected from -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄. In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

and -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

and -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2 and X2 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2, and X2 is selected from -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-SO₂-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-SO₂-arylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, X2 is L1-SO₂-alkylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-SO₂-arylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-SO₂-arylene-CHN₄. In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-SO₂-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-SO₂-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-SO₂-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-SO₂-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2 and X2 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2, and X2 is selected from -L1-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-arylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-alkylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-alkylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-arylene-CO₂H. In some embodiments, X2 is -L1-arylene-CHN₄. In some embodiments, X2 is selected from -L1-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-arylene-CHN₄. In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

and -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

In another embodiment, X2 is selected from -L1-alkylene-CO₂H, -L1-alkylene-CHN₄, -L1-arylene-CO₂H, and -L1-arylene-CHN₄, wherein L1 is

and -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2 and X2 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X2 and X2 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In some embodiments, at least one X2 is

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X2 is another embodiment wherein n is an integer from 30-35. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X2, n is an integer from 25-29. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X2, n is an integer from 20-24. In further embodiments of any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X2, n is an integer from 15-19. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X2, n is an integer from 10-14. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X2, n is an integer from 5-9. In yet further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X2, n is an integer from 1-4.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, and at least one X is X3. In further embodiments at least one X3 is selected from -L1-alkyl and -L1-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments at least one X3 is -L1-alkyl. In yet another embodiment, at least one X3 is -L1-alkyl and -L1 is

In another embodiment, at least one X3 is -L1-alkyl and L1 is

In another embodiment, at least one X3 is -L1-alkyl and L1 is

In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments wherein at least one X is X3, alkyl is methyl, ethyl, propyl, and isopropyl. In another embodiment, alkyl is CF₃. In another embodiment, alkyl is CN.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3 and X3 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is -L1-heterocyclyl. In yet another embodiment, at least one X3 is -L1-heterocyclyl and L1 is

In another embodiment, at least one X3 is -L1-heterocyclyl and L1 is

In another embodiment, at least one X3 is -L1-heterocyclyl and L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments wherein at least one X is X3, heterocyclyl is pyrrolidine, tetrahydrofuran, piperidine, morpholine, piperazine, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, pyrazole, imidazole, oxazole, isoxazole, pyridine, and pyrimidine. In a further embodiment, heterocyclyl is pyrrolidine. In a further embodiment, heterocyclyl is piperidine. In a further embodiment, heterocyclyl is morpholine. In a further embodiment, heterocyclyl is piperazine. In a further embodiment, heterocyclyl is pyridine. In a further embodiment, heterocyclyl is pyrimidine.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3 and X3 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from —O-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, —O— alkylene-N(R¹)₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, —O-alkylene-N(R²)₃, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R²)₃, —O-alkylene-heterocyclyl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-heterocyclyl, —O-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, —O-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from —O-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, —O-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, —O-alkylene-N(R²)₃, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R²)₃, —O-alkylene-heterocyclyl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-heterocyclyl, —O-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, —O-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂ wherein -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from —O-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, —O-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, —O-alkylene-N(R²)₃, —O-alkylene-heterocyclyl, —O— alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and —O-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In yet a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from —N(R¹)-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R²)₃, —N(R¹)-alkylene-heterocyclyl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂ wherein -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —O-alkylene-CNH—NH₂. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-CNH—NH₂. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —O-alkylene-N(R¹)₂. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)₂. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —O-alkylene-N(R²)₃. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R²)₃. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —O-alkylene-heterocyclyl. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-heterocyclyl. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —O-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —O-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some of the above embodiments, at least one X3 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3 and X3 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In further embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X is X3 and X3 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from -L1-CNH—NH₂, -L1-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-arylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-arylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-arylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-arylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and -L1-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from -L1-arylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-arylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-arylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-arylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and -L1-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-arylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-arylene-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-arylene-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-arylene-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In yet a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from -L1-CNH—NH₂, -L1-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and -L1-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from -L1-CNH—NH₂, -L1-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, and -L1-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In yet a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from -L1-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-alkylene-heterocyclyl, and -L1-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-alkylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-alkylene-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-alkylene-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-alkylene-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In yet a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3 and X3 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3 and X3 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-arylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-arylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-SO₂-arylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-arylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-arylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-arylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CONH-arylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CONH-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and -L1-SO₂-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from -L1-CO-arylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-arylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-SO₂-arylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-arylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-arylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-arylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CONH-arylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CONH-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and -L1-SO₂-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-arylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CONH-arylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-SO₂-arylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-arylene-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-arylene-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-arylene-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CONH-arylene-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CONH-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CONH-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-SO₂-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3 and X3 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and -L1-SO₂-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and -L1-SO₂-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkenyl ene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and -L1-CONH-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from -L1-CO-alkenylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkenylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and -L1-CONH-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In yet a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3 and X3 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂, and -L1-CONH-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment, at least one X3 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃, -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl, -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In yet a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X3, and X3 is selected from -L1-N(R¹)₂, -L1-N(R²)₃, -L1-N(O)(R²)₂, and -L1-NH—CNH—NH₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-N(R¹)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-N(R²)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-N(O)(R²)₂. In some embodiments, at least one X3 is -L1-NH—CNH—NH₂. In further embodiments at least one X3 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In yet further embodiments at least one X3 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In some embodiments, at least one X3 is

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X3 is another embodiment wherein n is an integer from 30-35. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X3, n is an integer from 25-29. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X3, n is an integer from 20-24. In further embodiments of any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X3, n is an integer from 15-19. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X3, n is an integer from 10-14. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X3, n is an integer from 5-9. In yet further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X3, n is an integer from 1-4.

In another embodiment the X3 group is provided in a protected form. In another embodiment the protected form comprises a protected nitrogen. In another embodiment the protected nitrogen is protected with a trifluoroacetyl group.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, and at least one X is X4. In further embodiments at least one X4 is selected from —O-alkylene-aryl, —N(R¹)-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-aryl, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-aryl. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is —O-alkylene-aryl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X4, and at least one X4 is selected from —N(R¹)-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-aryl, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-aryl. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is —N(R¹)-aryl. In yet a further embodiment, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X4, and at least one X4 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-aryl. In further embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)—, —CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂—. In some embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH(CH₃)—. In some embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X4, and at least one X4 is selected from —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-aryl, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-aryl. In further embodiments, at least one X4 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In yet a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-aryl and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-aryl. In further embodiments, at least one X4 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is selected from —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X4, and at least one X4 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-aryl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-aryl, -L1-CO-arylene-aryl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-aryl, -L1-CONH-arylene-aryl, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-aryl, -L1-SO₂-arylene-aryl, -L1-CO-aryl, -L1-SO₂-aryl, -L1-CO-alkylene-P(aryl)₃, and -L1-SO₂-alkylene-P(aryl)₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-P(aryl)₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is -L1-CO-alkylene-P(aryl)₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-aryl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-aryl, -L1-CO-arylene-aryl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-aryl, -L1-CONH-arylene-aryl, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-aryl, -L1-SO₂-arylene-aryl, -L1-CO-aryl, and -L1-SO₂-aryl. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from -L1-SO₂-alkylene-aryl, -L1-SO₂-arylene-aryl, and -L1-SO₂-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-SO₂-arylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-SO₂-aryl. In yet a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-aryl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-aryl, -L1-CO-arylene-aryl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-aryl, -L1-CONH-arylene-aryl, and -L1-CO-aryl. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from -L1-CONH-alkylene-aryl and -L1-CONH-arylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-CONH-alkylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-CONH-arylene-aryl. In yet a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-aryl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-aryl, -L1-CO-arylene-aryl, and -L1-CO-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-CO-alkylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-CO-arylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-CO-aryl. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X4, and X4 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X4, and X4 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from

and

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X4, and at least one X4 is selected from -L1-alkylene-aryl, -L1-arylene-aryl, -L1-aryl, and -L1-alkylene-P(aryl)₃. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-alkylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-arylene-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-aryl. In some embodiments, at least one X4 is -L1-alkylene-P(aryl)₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X4 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In some embodiments, at least one X4 is

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X4 is another embodiment wherein n is an integer from 30-35. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X4, n is an integer from 25-29. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X4, n is an integer from 20-24. In further embodiments of any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X4, n is an integer from 15-19. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X4, n is an integer from 10-14. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X4, n is an integer from 5-9. In yet further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X4, n is an integer from 1-4.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, and at least one X is X5. In further embodiments at least one X5 is selected from —O-alkylene-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-heteroaryl, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-heteroaryl. In yet further embodiments, at least one X5 is selected from —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-heteroaryl, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-heteroaryl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X5, and at least one X5 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl. In a further embodiment, at least one X5 is —O-alkylene-heteroaryl. In yet further embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)—, —CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂—. In some embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH(CH₃)—. In some embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X5, and at least one X5 is selected from —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-heteroaryl, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-heteroaryl. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is selected from —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X5, and at least one X5 is selected from -L1-heteroaryl, -L1-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-arylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CO-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CO-arylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CONH-arylene-heteroaryl, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-SO₂-arylene-heteroaryl. In a further embodiment at least one X5 is selected from -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heteroaryl and -L1-SO₂-arylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is -L1-SO₂-arylene-heteroaryl. In a further embodiment at least one X5 is selected from -L1-CONH-alkylene-heteroaryl and -L1-CONH-arylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is -L1-CONH-alkylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is -L1-CONH-arylene-heteroaryl. In a further embodiment at least one X5 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-heteroaryl, and -L1-CO-arylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is -L1-CO-alkylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is -L1-CO-alkenylene-heteroaryl. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In yet a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is selected from —CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)—, —CH₂CH₂— and —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH(CH₃)—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments, at least one X5 is -L1-heteroaryl. In a further embodiment, at least one X5 is selected from

In some embodiments, at least one X is X5 and X5 is

In some embodiments at least one X5 is

In some embodiments at least one X5 is

In some embodiments at least one X5 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X5, and at least one X5 is selected from -L1-alkylene-heteroaryl and -L1-arylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments at least one X5 is -L1-arylene-heteroaryl. In some embodiments at least one X5 is -L1-alkylene-heteroaryl. In a further embodiment, at least one X5 is selected from

In some embodiments at least one X5 is

In some embodiments at least one X5 is

In some embodiments at least one X5 is

In some embodiments at least one X5 is

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X5 is another embodiment wherein n is an integer from 30-35. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X5, n is an integer from 25-29. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X5, n is an integer from 20-24. In further embodiments of any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X5, n is an integer from 15-19. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X5, n is an integer from 10-14. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X5, n is an integer from 5-9. In yet further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X5, n is an integer from 1-4.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, and at least one X is X6. In further embodiments at least one X6 is selected from —O-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, —O-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃, —N(R¹)-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, —N(R¹)-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃, —N(R¹)-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, and —N(R¹)-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In further embodiments, at least one X6 is selected from —O-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH and —O-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is —O-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is —O-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In further embodiments, at least one X6 is selected from —N(R¹)-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, —N(R¹)-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃, —N(R¹)-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, and —N(R¹)-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In yet further embodiments, at least one X6 is selected from —N(R¹)-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH and —N(R¹)-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is —N(R¹)-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In further embodiments, at least one X6 is selected from —N(R¹)-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH and —N(R¹)-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is —N(R¹)-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is —N(R¹)-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In yet a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is selected from —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X6, and X6 is selected from -L1-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, -L1-CO-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, -L1-CO-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃, -L1-CO-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, -L1-CO-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃, -L1-SO₂-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, and -L1-SO₂-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X6 is selected from -L1-SO₂-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃, -L1-SO₂-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, and -L1-SO₂-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In yet a further embodiment, at least one X6 is selected from -L1-SO₂-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH and -L1-SO₂-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-SO₂-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X6 is selected from -L1-SO₂-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH and -L1-SO₂-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-SO₂-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-SO₂-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X6 is selected from -L1-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, -L1-CO-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, -L1-CO-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃, -L1-CO-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH, and -L1-CO-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In yet a further embodiment, at least one X6 is selected from -L1-CO-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH and -L1-CO-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-CO-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-CO-alkylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X6 is selected from -L1-CO-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH and -L1-CO-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-CO-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is -L1-CO-arylene-O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In another embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, L1 is

In yet a further embodiment of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is selected from —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, -alkylene- is —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, m is 1. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, m is 2. In some embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments, m is 3.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X6, and at least one X6 is selected from -L1-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is

In some embodiments, at least one X6 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X6, and X6 is selected from -L1-CO—O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH and -L1-CO—O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃. In a further embodiment, at least one X6 is -L1-CO—O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OH. In yet a further embodiment, at least one X6 is -L1-CO—O(CH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X6 and X6 is selected from —N(R¹)-(dibenzo-18-crown-6) and an aza-crown ether. In some embodiments, at least one X6 is —N(R¹)-(dibenzo-18-crown-6). In some embodiments, at least one X6 is an aza-crown ether. In further embodiments, at least one X is X6 and X6 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X6 is

In some embodiments, at least one X6 is

In some embodiments, at least one X6 is

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X6 is another embodiment wherein n is an integer from 30-35. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X6, n is an integer from 25-29. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X6, n is an integer from 20-24. In further embodiments of any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X6, n is an integer from 15-19. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X6, n is an integer from 10-14. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X6, n is an integer from 5-9. In yet further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X6, n is an integer from 1-4.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, and at least one X is X7. In a further embodiment, at least one X7 is a heterocycle. In a further embodiment, at least one X is X7 and X7 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X7, and at least one X7 is —N(R¹)(R³). In a further embodiment, at least one X7 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X7, and at least one X7 is —N(R¹)(R³). In a further embodiment, at least one X7 is selected from -L1-CO-alkyl, -L1-CONH-alkyl, -L-CON(alkyl)-alkyl, and -L1-SO₂-alkyl. In a further embodiment, at least one X7 is -L1-CO-alkyl. In a further embodiment, at least one X7 is -L-CONH-alkyl. In a further embodiment, at least one X7 is -L1-CON(alkyl)-alkyl. In a further embodiment, at least one X7 is -L1-SO₂-alkyl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X7, and at least one X7 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, at least one X is X7, and at least one X7 is —N(R¹)(R³). In a further embodiment, at least one X7 is selected from:

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In some embodiments, at least one X7 is

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X7 is another embodiment wherein n is an integer from 30-35. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X7, n is an integer from 25-29. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X7, n is an integer from 20-24. In further embodiments of any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X7, n is an integer from 15-19. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X7, n is an integer from 10-14. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X7, n is an integer from 5-9. In yet further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X7, n is an integer from 1-4.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, each Y is O, and at least one X is X8. In a further embodiment, at least one X8 is -L1-CA. In a further embodiment, at least one X8 is -L1-dCA. In a further embodiment, at least one X8 is selected from -L1-COCH₂(R⁴) and -L1-COCH(R⁴)NHCO₂-alkyl. In some embodiments, at least one X8 is -L1-COCH₂(R⁴). In some embodiments, at least one X8 is -L1-COCH(R⁴)NHCO₂-alkyl.

In another embodiment is a compound of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 35, G⁵ is

each W is O, at least one Y is NR₁₀, at least one X is X8, at least one X8 is —OR⁵, and R₅ and R¹⁰ together form a ring. In a further embodiment, the ring formed is selected from:

In some embodiments, the ring formed is

In some embodiments, the ring formed is

In some embodiments, the ring formed is

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X8 is another embodiment wherein n is an integer from 30-35. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X8, n is an integer from 25-29. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X8, n is an integer from 20-24. In further embodiments of any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X8, n is an integer from 15-19. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X8, n is an integer from 10-14. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X8, n is an integer from 5-9. In yet further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is X8, n is an integer from 1-4.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is selected from:

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

wherein p is 2 and q is 2. In another embodiment is the compound wherein p is 3 and q is 2.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

wherein p is 1 and is 2. In another embodiment is the compound wherein p is 1 and q is 2. In another embodiment is the compound wherein p is 3 and q is 2.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

wherein Q¹ is —N(R⁶)—.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

wherein Q² is —N(R⁶)—.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

wherein E¹ is phenyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

wherein E¹ is heteroaryl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

wherein Q¹ is —N(R⁶)—.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein L1 is

wherein E² is pyrrolyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein E² is imidazolyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein E² is triazinyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein E² is imidazolyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein W is O, and Y is NH.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein W is O, and Y is NR¹⁰. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein W is O, and Y is NR¹⁰, wherein R¹⁰ and X8e together form a ring. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹⁰ and X8e together for a structure selected from

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

and R²⁴ is a C₂-C₄ alkylene. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

and wherein R²⁴ is ethylene or propylene, and R¹ is hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

and R⁴ is hydrogen or methyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and wherein p is 2, and q is 2. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and wherein p is 2, and q is 3. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

p and q are independently selected from 1 or 2, and R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and p, q, s and t are independently selected from 1 or 2. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X1. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R²³ is hydrogen, methyl or both R²³ groups together form a cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl ring. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R²³ is hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X2. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X3. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X4. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X5. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X6. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X7. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X8.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is —C(R²³)₂OP(═O)(OH)₂. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R²³ is hydrogen.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl, or a 3-18 membered alkoxyalkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is a C₂-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is selected from —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OH, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH, or —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is a cell-penetrating peptide. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R¹⁵ is a cell-penetrating peptide and the cell-penetrating peptide is linked through a aminohexanoic acid-derived linker. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R¹⁵ is a cell-penetrating peptide and the cell-penetrating peptide is linked through a aminohexanoic acid-derived linker comprising the structure:

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is selected from:

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(L¹⁵)-(R¹⁶).

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

and R²⁴ is a C₂-C₄ alkylene. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

and wherein R²⁴ is ethylene or propylene, and R¹ is hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

and R⁴ is hydrogen or methyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and wherein p is 2, and q is 2. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and wherein p is 2, and q is 3. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

p and q are independently selected from 1 or 2, and R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and p, q, s and t are independently selected from 1 or 2. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X1. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R²³ is hydrogen, methyl or both R²³ groups together form a cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl ring. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R²³ is hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X2. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X3. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X4. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X5. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X6. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X7. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Q is X8.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(L15)-(R¹⁶), and L¹⁵ is selected from —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-C(═O)—, or —(C₂-C₃₀ alkoxy)-C(═O)—. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(L15)-(R¹⁶), and L¹⁵ is selected from —(C₂-C₃₀ alkoxy)-C(═O)—.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(L¹⁵)-(R¹⁶) and is represented by the structure:

wherein group A is aminomethyl polystyrene resin.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(L¹⁵)-(R¹⁶) and R¹⁶ is represented by the structure:

wherein group A is aminomethyl polystyrene resin.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(L¹⁵)-(R¹⁶) and L¹⁵ is represented by the structure:

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹² is an electron pair.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₃₀ alkyl and R¹² is a C₁-C₆ alkyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a methyl group and R¹² is a methyl group.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is hydrogen.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is C₁-C₃₀ alkyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is selected from prenyl, geranyl, farnesyl or geranylgeranyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a cell-penetrating peptide.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a guanidinyl or amidinyl group.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₁₅ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₈ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₅ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₄ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₂ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is CH₃CO—.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₁₅ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₁₀ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₅ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₃ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a CH₃OCO—. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OH, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH, or —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is —C(═O)NHR²¹. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is —C(═O)NHR²¹ and R²¹ is methyl.

Table 1 provides, by way of example only, representative linkages for compounds of Formula (I)

TABLE 1 Representative Intersubunit Linkages (X-groups)

No. X 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73 —N(H)CH₂CO₂H 74 —N(CH₃)CH₂CO₂H 75 —N(CH₂CH₃)CH₂CO₂H 76 —N(H)CH₂CH₂CO₂H, 77 —N(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CO₂H 78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

143

144

145

146

147

148

149

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158

159

160

161

162

163

164

165

166

167

168

169

170

171

B. Oligomers with Modified Terminal Groups

As noted above, the present disclosure also provides an oligomer comprising modified terminal groups. Applicants have found that modification of the 3′ and/or 5′ end of the oligomer with various chemical moieties provides beneficial therapeutic properties (e.g., enhanced cell delivery, potency, and/or tissue distribution, etc.) to the oligomers. In various embodiments, the modified terminal groups comprise a hydrophobic moiety, while in other embodiments the modified terminal groups comprise a hydrophilic moiety. The modified terminal groups may be present with or without the linkages described above. For example, in some embodiments, the oligomers comprise one or more modified terminal group and modified intersubunit linkages. Combinations of modified terminal groups and modified linkages also provide favorable therapeutic properties to the oligomers. In some embodiments the modified terminal group is a peptide transporter as described herein.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

and R²⁴ is a C₂-C₄ alkylene. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

and wherein R²⁴ is ethylene or propylene, and R¹ is hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

R⁴ is hydrogen or methyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹¹ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and wherein p is 2, and q is 2. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and wherein p is 2, and q is 3. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

p and q are independently selected from 1 or 2, and R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein L¹³ is

and p, q, s and t are independently selected from 1 or 2. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R¹ is methyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R²³ is hydrogen, methyl or both R²³ groups together form a cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl ring. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R²³ is hydrogen or methyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is —C(R²³)₂OP(═O)(OH)₂. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein R²³ is hydrogen.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl, or a 3-18 membered alkoxyalkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is a C₂-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is selected from —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OH, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH, or —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) and the R¹⁵ is —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is selected from:

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I), wherein Z⁵ is

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹² is an electron pair.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₃₀ alkyl and R¹² is a C₁-C₆ alkyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a methyl group and R¹² is a methyl group.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is hydrogen.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is C₁-C₃₀ alkyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is selected from prenyl, geranyl, farnesyl or geranylgeranyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a cell-penetrating peptide.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a guanidinyl or amidinyl group.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R₁₃ is a C₁-C₁₅ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₈ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₅ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₄ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₂ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R³ is a C₁ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is CH₃CO—.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₁₅ alkylcarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₁₀ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₅ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁-C₃ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a C₁ alkyloxycarbonyl. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a CH₃OCO—. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a —C(O)CH₂CH₂CO₂H. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is a —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OH, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH, or —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH.

In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is —C(═O)NHR²¹. In another embodiment is the compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹³ is —C(═O)NHR²¹ and R²¹ is methyl.

In some other embodiments, only the 3′ terminus of the oligomer is conjugated to one of the groups noted above. In some other embodiments, only the 5′ terminus of the oligomer is conjugated to one of the groups noted above. In other embodiments, both the 3′ and 5′ termini comprise one of the groups noted above. The terminal group for either the 5′ terminus, the 3′ terminus, or both, may be selected from any one of the groups noted above or any of the specific groups illustrated in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Representative Terminal Groups No. Name Structure 1 Trimethoxybenzoyl

2 9-fluorene-carboxyl

3 4-carbazolylbenzoyl

4 4-indazolylonebenzoyl

5 Famesyl

6 Geranyl

7 Prenyl

8 Diphenylacetyl

9 Chlorodiphenylacetyl

10 Hydroxydiphenylacetyl

11 Triphenylpropionyl

12 Triphenylpropyl

13 Triphenylacetyl

14 Trityl (Tr)

15 Methoxytrityl (MeOTr)

16 Methylsuccinimidyl- cyclohexoyl

17 Thioacetyl

18 COCH₂CH₂SSPy

19 Guanidinyl

20 Trimethylglycine

21 Lauroyl

22 Triethyleneglycoloyl (EG3)

23 Succinicacetyl

24 Diphenylphosphoryl

25 Piperidin-4-yl

26 Tritylpiperidin-4-yl

27 Boc-Piperidin-4-yl

28 Hexyn-6-yl

29 5-carboxyfluorescein

30 Benzhydryl

31 p-Chlorobenzhydryl

32 Piperazinyl (pip)

33 Triphenylphos

34 Acetamide CH₃CO— 35 Methylurea CH₃NHCO—

1. Peptide Transporters

In some embodiments, the subject oligomer is conjugated to a peptide transporter moiety, for example a cell-penetrating peptide transport moiety, which is effective to enhance transport of the oligomer into cells. For example, in some embodiments the peptide transporter moiety is an arginine-rich peptide. In further embodiments, the transport moiety is attached to either the 5′ or 3′ terminus of the oligomer. When such peptide is conjugated to either termini, the opposite termini is then available for further conjugation to a modified terminal group as described herein.

In some embodiments of the foregoing, the peptide transport moiety comprises 6 to 16 subunits selected from X′ subunits, Y′ subunits, and Z′ subunits, where

(a) each X′ subunit independently represents lysine, arginine or an arginine analog, said analog being a cationic α-amino acid comprising a side chain of the structure R³³N═C(NH₂)R³⁴, where R³³ is H or R; R³⁴ is R³⁵, NH₂, NHR, or NR⁴, where R³⁵ is lower alkyl or lower alkenyl and may further include oxygen or nitrogen; R³³ and R³⁴ may together form a ring; and the side chain is linked to said amino acid via R³³ or R³⁴;

(b) each Y′ subunit independently represents a neutral amino acid —C(O)—(CHR)_(n)—NH—, where n is 2 to 7 and each R is independently H or methyl; and

(c) each Z′ subunit independently represents an α-amino acid having a neutral aralkyl side chain;

wherein the peptide comprises a sequence represented by one of (X′Y′X′)_(p), (X′Y′)_(m), and (X′Z′Z′)_(p), where p is 2 to 5 and m is 2 to 8.

In selected embodiments, for each X′, the side chain moiety is guanidyl, as in the amino acid subunit arginine (Arg). In further embodiments, each Y′ is —CO—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR—NH—, where n is 2 to 7 and R is H. For example, when n is 5 and R is H, Y′ is a 6-aminohexanoic acid subunit, abbreviated herein as Ahx; when n is 2 and R is H, Y′ is a β-alanine subunit.

In certain embodiments, peptides of this type include those comprising arginine dimers alternating with single Y′ subunits, where Y′ is Ahx. Examples include peptides having the formula (RY′R)_(p) or the formula (RRY′)_(p), where Y′ is Ahx. In one embodiment, Y′ is a 6-aminohexanoic acid subunit, R is arginine and p is 4.

In a further embodiment, each Z′ is phenylalanine, and m is 3 or 4.

In some embodiments, the conjugated peptide is linked to a terminus of the oligomer via a linker Ahx-B, where Ahx is a 6-aminohexanoic acid subunit and B is a β-alanine subunit.

In selected embodiments, for each X′, the side chain moiety is independently selected from the group consisting of guanidyl (HN═C(NH₂)NH—), amidinyl (HN═C(NH₂)C—), 2-aminodihydropyrimidyl, 2-aminotetrahydropyrimidyl, 2-aminopyridinyl, and 2-aminopyrimidonyl, and it is preferably selected from guanidyl and amidinyl. In one embodiment, the side chain moiety is guanidyl, as in the amino acid subunit arginine (Arg).

In some embodiments, the Y′ subunits are either contiguous, in that no X′ subunits intervene between Y′ subunits, or interspersed singly between X′ subunits. However, in some embodiments the linking subunit may be between Y′ subunits. In one embodiment, the Y′ subunits are at a terminus of the peptide transporter; in other embodiments, they are flanked by X′ subunits. In further embodiments, each Y′ is —CO—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR—NH—, where n is 2 to 7 and R is H. For example, when n is 5 and R is H, Y′ is a 6-aminohexanoic acid subunit, abbreviated herein as Ahx. In selected embodiments of this group, each X′ comprises a guanidyl side chain moiety, as in an arginine subunit. Exemplary peptides of this type include those comprising arginine dimers alternating with single Y′ subunits, where Y′ is preferably Ahx. Examples include peptides having the formula (RY′R)₄ or the formula (RRY′)₄, where Y′ is preferably Ahx. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid analog is linked to a terminal Y′ subunit, preferably at the C-terminus. In other embodiments, the linker is of the structure AhxB, where Ahx is a 6-aminohexanoic acid subunit and B is a β-alanine subunit.

The peptide transport moieties as described above have been shown to greatly enhance cell entry of attached oligomers, relative to uptake of the oligomer in the absence of the attached transport moiety, and relative to uptake by an attached transport moiety lacking the hydrophobic subunits Y′. Such enhanced uptake may be evidenced by at least a two-fold increase, or in other embodiments a four-fold increase, in the uptake of the compound into mammalian cells relative to uptake of the agent by an attached transport moiety lacking the hydrophobic subunits Y′. In some embodiments, uptake is enhanced at least twenty fold or at least forty fold, relative to the unconjugated compound.

A further benefit of the peptide transport moiety is its expected ability to stabilize a duplex between an antisense oligomer and its target nucleic acid sequence. While not wishing to be bound by theory, this ability to stabilize a duplex may result from the electrostatic interaction between the positively charged transport moiety and the negatively charged nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the number of charged subunits in the transporter is less than 14, as noted above, or in other embodiments between 8 and 11, since too high a number of charged subunits may lead to a reduction in sequence specificity.

Exemplary arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide transporters are given below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Arginine-Rich Cell-Penetrating Peptide Transporters Sequence (Amino to Carboxy SEQ Name Terminus, 5′ to 3′) ID NO (RFF)₃; CP0407 N-RFFRFFRFFAhxβAla-COOH  1 RTR N-RTRTRFLRRTAhxβAla-COOH  2 RFFR N-RFFRFFRFFRAhxβAla-COOH  3 KTR N-KTRTKFLKKTAhxβAla-COOH  4 KFF N-KFFKFFKFFAhxβAla-COOH  5 KFFK N-KFFKFFKFFKAhxβAla-COOH  6 (RFF)₂ N-RFFRFFAhxβAla-COOH  7 (RFF)₂R N-RFFRFFRAhxβAla-COOH  8 RAhx N-RAhxAhxRAhxAhxRAhxAhx  9 βAla-COOH (RAhxR)₄; P007 N-RAhxRRAhxRRAhxRRAhx 10 RAhxβAla- rTat RRRQRRKKRC 11 R₉F₂ RRRRRRRRRFFC 12 (RRAhx)₄B RRAhxRRAhxRRAhxRRAhxβAla 13 (RAhxR)₄Ahx13; RAhxRRAhxRRAhxRRAhxRAhxβAla 14 (AhxRR)₄AhxB AhxRRAhxRRAhxRRAhxRRAhxβAla 15 (RAhx)₆B RAhxRAhxRAhxRAhxRAhxRAhxβAla 16 (RAhx)₈B RAhxRAhxRAhxRAhxRAhxRAhx 17 RAhxβAla (RAhxR)₅AhxB RAhxRRAhxRRAhxRRAhxRRAhx 18 RAhxβAla (RAhxRRBR)₂Ah RAhxRRβAla RRAhxRRβAla 19 RAhxβAla R₄G RRRRG 20 R₅G RRRRRG 21 R₆G RRRRRRG 22 R₇G RRRRRRRG 23 R₈G RRRRRRRRG 24 R₅GR₄G RRRRRGRRRRG 25 R₅F₂R₄G RRRRRFFRRRRG 26 Tat-G RKKRRQRRRG 27 rTat-G RRRQRRKKRG 28 (RAhxR₂G₂)₂ RAhxRRGGRAhxRGG 29 (RAhxR₃Ahx)₂G RAhxRRRAhxRAhxRRRG 30 R₄P RRRRP 31 R₅P RRRRRP 32 R₆P RRRRRRP 33 R₇P RRRRRRRP 34 R₈P RRRRRRRRP 35 βAla = beta-alanine; Ahx = 6-aminohexanoiC acid

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I) wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(L¹²)-(R¹⁷) and R¹⁷ is a drug, protein or toxin. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I) wherein L¹² is a linker cleaveable under biological conditions. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I) wherein L¹² is selected from:

a) —(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-OC(O)O—CH₂O—;

b) —C(O)—(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-OC(O)O—CH₂O—;

c) —C(O)—(CH═CH)—C(O)O—CH₂O—;

d) —(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-S—S—CH₂CH₂O—; or

e) C(O) (C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-S—S—CH₂CH₂O—.

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹⁷ is a DNA-binding protein. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹⁷ is a transcription factor. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹⁷ is a zinc finger protein. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula (I) wherein R¹⁷ is a drug, protein or toxin selected from the listing provided in Table 4.

TABLE 4 ANTIANDROGEN Bicalutamide, Bifluranol, Cioteronel, Cyproterone, Delmadinone Acetate, Flutamide, Nilutamide, Osaterone, Oxendolone ANTIBACTERIAL (ANTIBIOTICS) Aminoglycosides Amikacin, Arbekacin, Bambermycins, Butirosin, Dibekacin, Dihydrostreptomycin, Fortimicins, Gentarnicin, Isepamicin, Kanamycin, Micronomicin, Neomycin, Netilmicin, Paromomycin, Ribostamycin, Sisomicin, Spectinomycin, Streptomycin, Tobramycin, Trospectomycin Amphenicols Azidamfenicol, Chloramphenicol, Thiamphenicol Ansamycins Rifamide, Rifampin, Rifamycin SV, Rifapentine, Rifaximin β-Lactams Carbacephems Loracarbef Carbapenems Biapenem, Ertapenem, Fropenem, Imipenem, Meropenem, Panipenem Cephalosporins Cefaclor, Cefadroxil, Cefamandole, Cefatrizine, Cefazedone, Cefazolin, Cefcapene Pivoxil, Cefclidin, Cefdinir, Cefditoren, Cefepime, Cefetamet, Cefixime, Cefmenoxime, Cefodizime, Cefonicid, Cefoperazone, Ceforanide, Cefoselis, Cefotaxime, Cefotiam, Cefozopran, Cefpimizole, Cefpiramide, Cefpirome, Cefpodoxime Proxetil, Cefprozil, Cefroxadine, Cefsulodin, Ceftazidime, Cefteram, Ceftezole, Ceftibuten, Ceftizoxime, Ceftriaxone, Cefuroxime, Cefuzonam, Cephacetrile Sodium, Cephalexin, Cephaloglycin, Cephaloridine, Cephalosporin C, Cephalothin, Cephapirin Sodium, Cephradine, Pivcefalexin Cephamycins Cefbuperazone, Cefmetazole, Cefminox, Cefotetan, Cefoxitin Monobactams Aztreonam, Carumonam, Tigemonam Oxacephems Flomoxef, Moxalactam Penicillins Amdinocillin, Amdinocillin Pivoxil, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Apalcillin, Aspoxicillin, Azidocillin, Azlocillin, Bacampicillin, Carbenicillin, Carindacillin, Clometocillin, Cloxacillin, Cyclacillin, Dicloxacillin, Epicillin, Fenbenicillin, Floxacillin, Hetacillin, Lenampicillin, Metampicillin, Methicillin Sodium, Mezlocillin, Nafcillin, Oxacillin, Penamecillin, Penethamate Hydriodide, Penicillin G, Penicillin G Benzathine, Penicillin G Procaine, Penicillin N, Penicillin O, Penicillin V, Penimepicycline, Phenethicillin Potassium, Piperacillin, Pivampicillin, Propicillin, Quinacillin, Sulbenicillin, Sultamicillin, Talampicillin, Temocillin, Ticarcillin Other Ritipenem Lincosamides Clindamycin, Lincomycin Macrolides Azithromycin, Carbomycin, Clarithromycin, Dirithromycin, Erythromycin, Erythromycin Acistrate, Erythromycin Estolate, Erythromycin Glucoheptonate, Erythromycin Lactobionate, Erythromycin Propionate, Erythromycin Stearate, Josamycin, Leucomycins, Midecamycins, Miokamycin, Oleandomycin, Primycin, Rokitamycin, Rosaramicin, Roxithromycin, Spiramycin, Telithromycin, Troleandomycin Polypeptides Amphomycin, Bacitracin, Bacitracin Zinc, Capreomycin, Colistin, Enduracidin, Enviomycin, Fusafungine, Gramicidin(s), Gramicidin S, Polymyxin, Quinupristin, Ristocetin, Teicoplanin, Thiostrepton, Tuberactinomycin, Tyrocidine, Tyrothricin, Vancomycin, Viomycin Tetracyclines Chlortetracycline, Clomocycline, Demeclocycline, Doxycycline, Guamecycline, Lymecycline, Meclocycline, Methacycline, Minocycline, Oxytetracycline, Penimepicycline, Pipacycline, Rolitetracycline, Sancycline, Tetracycline Others Cycloserine, Dalfopristin, Mupirocin, Pristinamycin, Virginiamycin ANTIBACTERIAL (SYNTHETIC) 2,4-Diaminopyrimidines Brodimoprim, Tetroxoprim, Trimethoprim, Nitrofurans Furaltadone, Furazolium Chloride, Nifuratel, Nifurfoline, Nifurpirinol, Nifurprazine, Nifurtoinol, Nitrofurantoin, Oxazolidinones Linezolid Quinolones and Analogs Balofloxacin, Cinoxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Clinafloxacin, Enoxacin, Fleroxacin, Flumequine, Gatifloxacin, Gemifloxacin, Grepafloxacin, Lomefloxacin, Miloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Nadifloxacin, Nalidixic Acid, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin, Oxolinic Acid, Pazufloxacin, Pefloxacin, Pipemidic Acid, Piromidic Acid, Rosoxacin, Rufloxacih, Sitafloxacin, Sparfloxacin, Tosufloxacin, Trovafloxacin Sulfonamides Acetyl Sulfamethoxypyrazine, Chloramine-B, Chloramine-T, Dichloramine T, N²-Formylsulfisomidine, N⁴-β-D-Glucosylsulfanilamide, Mafenide, Noprylsulfamide, Phthalylsulfacetamide, Phthalylsulfathiazole, Salazosulfadimidine, Succinylsulfathiazole, Sulfabenzamide, Sulfacetamide, Sulfachlorpyridazine, Sulfachrysoidine, Sulfacytine, Sulfadiazine, Sulfadicramide, Sulfadimethoxine, Sulfadoxine, Sulfaethidole, Sulfaguanidine, Sulfaguanole, Sulfalene, Sulfaloxic Acid, Sulfamerazine, Sulfameter, Sulfamethazine, Sulfamethizole, Sulfamethomidine, Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfamethoxypyridazine, Sulfametrole, Sulfamidochrysoidine, Sulfamoxole, Sulfanilamide, 4-Sulfanilamidosalicylic Acid, N⁴-Sulfanilylsulfanilamide, Sulfanilylurea, N-SulfaniIyl-3,4-xylamide, Sulfaperine, Sulfaphenazole, Sulfaproxyline, Sulfapyrazine, Sulfapyridine, Sulfasomizole, Sulfasymazine, Sulfathiazole, Sulfathiourea, Sulfisomidine, Sulfisoxazole Sulfones Acedapsone, Acediasulfone, Acetosulfone Sodium, Dapsone, Diathymosulfone, Glucosulfone Sodium, Solasulfone, Succisulfone, Sulfanilic Acid, p- Sulfanilylbenzylamine, Sulfoxone Sodium, Thiazolsulfone Others Clofoctol, Hexedine, Methenamine, Metronidazole, Nitroxoline, Pexiganan, Taurolidine, Xibornol ANTIBACTERIAL (LEPROSTATIC) Acedapsone, Acetosulfone Sodium, Qofazimine, Dapsone, Diathymosulfone, Glucosulfone Sodium, Hydnocarpic Acid, Solasulfone, Succisulfone, Sulfoxone Sodium ANTIBACTERIAL (TUBERCULOSTATIC) p-Aminosalicylic Acid, p-Aminosalicylic Acid Hydrazide, Benzoylpas, 5-Bromosalicylhydroxamic Acid, Capreomycin, Clofazimine, Cyacetacide, Cycloserine, Dihydrostreptomycin, Enviomycin, Ethambutol, Ethionamide, Furonazide, Glyconiazide, Isoniazid, Morphazinamide, Opiniazide, Phenyl Aminosalicylate, Protionamide, Pyrazinamide, Rifabutin, Rifalazil, Rifampin, Rifapentine, Salinazid, Streptomycin, Streptonicozid, Sulfoniazide, Thiacetazone, Tiocarlide, Tuberactinomycin, Tubercidin, Viomycin, Dimethazan, Fencamine, Indalpine, Indeloxazine Hydrochloride, Nefopam, Nomifensine, Oxitriptan see 4873 Oxypertine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Thiazesim, Trazodone Hydrazides/Hydrazines Iproclozide, Iproniazid, Isocarboxazid, Nialamide, Octamoxin, Phenelzine Phenyloxazolidinones Befloxatone, Toloxatone Pyrrolidones Cotinine Tetracydics Maprotiline, Metralindole, Mianserin, Mirtazapine Tricyclics Adinazolam, Amineptine, Amitriptyline, Amitriptylinoxide, Amoxapine, Butriptyline, Clomipramine, Demexiptiline, Desipramine, Dibenzepin, Dimetaciine, Dothiepin, Doxepin, Fluacizine, Imipramine, Imipramine N-Oxide, Iprindole, Lofepramine, Melitracen, Metapramine, Nortriptyline, Noxiptilin, Opipramol, Pizotyline, Propizepine, Protriptyline, Quinupramine, Tianeptine, Trimipramine Others Adrafinil, Bupropion, Butacetin, Dioxadrol, Duloxetine, Etoperidone, Femoxetine, Fenpentadiol, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Hematoporphyrin, Hypericin, Levophacetoperane, Medifoxamine, Milnacipran, Minaprine, Moclobemide, Nefazodone, Oxaflozane, Piberaline, Prolintane, Pyrisuccideanol, Reboxetine, Ritanserin, Roxindole, Rubidium Chloride, Sulphide, Tandospirone, Thozalinone, Tofenacin, Tranylcypromine, Tryptophan, Venlafaxine, Viloxazine, Zimeldine ANTIDIABETIC Biguanides Buformin, Metformin, Phenformin Hormones/Analogs Amylin, Insulin, Insulin Aspart, Insulin Glargine, Insulin Lispro, Pramlintide Sulfonylurea Derivatives Acetohexamide, Carbutamide, Chlorpropamide, Glibomuride, Gliclazide, Glimepiride, Glipizide, Gliquidone, Glisoxepid, Glyburide, Glybuthiazol(e), Glybuzole, Glyhexamide, Glymidine, Glypinamide, Phenbutamide, Tolazamide, Tolbutamide, Tolcyclamide Thiazolidinediones Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone, Troglitazone Others Acarbose, Calcium Mesoxalate, Miglitol, Nateglinide, Repaglinide, Voglibose ANTIESTROGEN Centchroman, Delmadinone Acetate, Tamoxifen, Toremifene ANTIFUNGAL (ANTIBIOTICS) Polyenes Amphotericin B, Candicidin, Dermostatin, Filipin, Fungichromin, Hachimycin, Hamycin, Lucensomycin, Klepartricin, Natamycin, Nystatin, Pecilocin, Perimycin Others Azaserine, Caspofungin, Griseofulvin, Ohgomycins, Pyrrolnitrin, Siccanin, Tubercidin, Viridin ANTIFUNGAL (SYNTHETIC) Allylamines Butenafine, Naftifine, Terbinafine Imidazoles Bifonazole, Butoconazole, Chlordantoin, Chlormidazole, Cloconazole, Clotrimazole, Econazole, Enilconazole, Fenticonazole, Flutrimazole, Isoconazole, Ketoconazole, Lanoconazole, Miconazole, Neticonazole, Omoconazole, Oxiconazole Nitrate, Sertaconazole, Sulconazole, Tioconazole Thiocarbamates Liranaftate, Tolciclate, Tolindate, Tolnaftate, Triazoles Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Posaconazole, Saperconazole, Terconazole, Voriconazole Others Acrisorcin, Amorolfine, Biphenamine, Bromosalicylchloranilide, Buclosamide, Calcium Propionate, Chlorphenesin, Ciclopirox, Cloxyquin, Coparaffinate, Diamthazole Dihydrochloride, Exalamide, Flucytosine, Hexetidine, Loflucarban, Nifuratel, Potassium Iodide, Propionic Acid, Pyrithione, Salicylanilide, Sodium Propionate, Sulbentine, Tenonitrozole, Triacetin, Undecylenic Acid, Zinc Propionate ANTIGONADOTROPIN Danazol, Gestrinone, Paroxypropione ANTINEOPLASTIC Alkaloids 9-Aminocamptothecin, Docetaxel, Ecteinascidins, Etoposide, Irinotecan, Paclitaxel, Rubitecan, Teniposide, Topotecan, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vindesine Alkylating Agents Alkyl Sulfonates Busulfan, Improsulfan, Piposulfan Aziridines Carboquone, Uredepa Ethylenimines and Methylmelamines Altretamine, Triethylenemelamine, Triethylenephosphoramide, Triethylenethiophosphoramide Nitrogen Mustards Chlorambucil, Chlornaphazine, Cyclophosphamide, Estramustine, Ifosfamide, Mechlorethamine, Mechlorethamine Oxide Hydrochloride, Melphalan, Novembichin, Perfosfamide, Phenesterine, Prednimustine, Trichlonnethine, Trofosfamide, Uracil Mustard Nitrosoureas Carmustine, Chlorozotocin, Fotemustine, Lomustine, Nimustine, Ranimustine Others Dacarbazine, Mannomustine, Mitobronitol, Mitolactol, Pipobroman, Temozolomide Antibiotics and Analogs Aclacinomycins, Anthramycin, Azaserine, Bleomycins, Cactinomycin, Carubicin, Chromomycins, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin, 6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Idarubicin, Menogaril, Mitomycins, Mycophenolic Acid, Nogalamycin, Olivomycins, Peplomycin, Pirarubicin, Plicamycin, Porfiromycin, Puromycin, Streptonigrin, Streptozocin, TNP-470, Tubercidin, Valrubicin, Zinostatin, Zorobicin Antimetabolites Folk Acid Analogs/Antagonists Denopterin, Edatrexate, Methotrexate, Nolatrexed, Pemetrexed, Piritrexim, Pteropterin, Raltitrexed, Trimetrexate Purine Analogs Cladribine, Fludarabine, 6-Mercaptopurine, Thiamiprine, Thioguanine, Tiazofurin Pyrimidine Analogs Ancitabine, Azacitidine, 6-Azauridine, Capecitabine, Carmofur, Cytarabine, Decitabine, Doxifluridine, Emitefur, Enocitabine, Floxuridine, Fluorouracil, Gemcitabine, Tegafur Enzymes L-Asparaginase, Ranpirnase Immunomodulators Bropirimine, Interferon-α, Interferon-γ, Interleukin-2, Lentinan, Propagermanium, PSK ®, Roquinimex, Sizofiran, Ubenimex Immunotoxins Denilcukin Diftitox Monoclonal Antibodies Alemtuzumab, Edrecolomab, Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin, Ibritumomab Tiuxetan, Rituximab, Tositumomab ¹³¹I, Trastuzumab Platinum Complexes Carbopiatin, Cisplatin, Lobaplatin, Miboplatin, Oxaliplatin Others Amsacrine, Arsenic Trioxide, Bisantrene, Defosfamide, Demecoline, Diaziquone, Eflornithine, Elliptinium Acetate, Etoglucid, Fenretinide, Flavopridol, Gallium Nitrate, Hydroxyurea, Imatinib, Liarozole, Lonidamine, Miltefosine, Mitoguazone, Mitoxantrone, Mopidamol, Nietracrine, Pentostatin, Phenamet, Podophyllinic Acid 2-Ethylhydrazide, Procarbazine, Razoxane, Sobuzoxane, Spirogermanium, Tenuazonic Acid, Tirapazamine, Triaziquone, Urethan ANTINEOPLASTIC (HORMONAL) Androgens Calusterone, Dromostanolone, Epitiostanol, Mepitiostane, Testolactone Antiadrenals Aminoglutethimide, Mitotane, Trilostane Antiandrogens Bicalutamide, Flutamide, Nilutamide Antiestrogens Droloxifene, Idoxifene, Tamoxifen, Toremifene Antiprogestins Onapristone Aromatase Inhibitors Aminoglutethimide, Anastrozole, Exemestane, Fadrozole, Formestane, Letrozole, Vorozole Estrogens Diethylstilbestrol, Fosfestrol, Hexestrol, Polyestradiol Phosphate LH-RH Analogs Buserelin, Cetrorelix, Goserelin, Leuprolide, Triptorelin Progestogens Chlormadinone Acetate, Medroxyprogesterone, Megestrol Acetate, Melengestrol Retinoids and Analogs Alitretinoin, Bexarotene, Mofarotene Somatostatin Analog Lanreotide ANTINEOPLASTIC (PHOTOSENSITIZER) Porfimer Sodium, Temoporfin, Tin Ethyl Etiopurpurin ANTINEOPLASTIC (RADIATION SOURCE) Americium, Chromic Phosphate, Radioactive, Cobalt, Gold, Radioactive, Colloidal, Ibritumomab Tiuxetan, ¹³¹I-Ethiodized Oil Iobenguane, Radium, Radon, Samarium ¹⁵³Sm Lexidronam, Sodium Iodide, Radioactive, Sodium Phosphate, Radioactive, Strontium Chloride, Radioactive, Tositumomab ¹³¹I ANTINEOPLASTIC ADJUNCT Antimetastatic Agent Batimastat, Prinomastat Chemomodulator Eniluracil Chemosensitizer Biricodar, Valspodar Radioprotective Amifostine Radiosensitjzer Broxuridine, Etanidazole, RSR-13 Uroprotective Mesna ANTINEUTROPENIC Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor, Interleukin-3 ANTEPHEOCHROMOCYTOMA Metyrosine, Phenoxybenzamine, Phentolamine ANTIPNEUMOCYSTIC Atovaquone, Eflornithine, Pentamidine, Sulfamethoxazole ANTIPROGESTIN Onapristone ANTIPROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY Doxazosin, Dutasteride, Epristeride, Finasteride, Gestonorone Caproate, Mepartricin, Osaterone, Oxendolone, Tamsulosin, Terazosin ANTIPROTOZOAL (CRYPTOSPORIDIUM) Nitazoxanide ANTIPROTOZOAL (LEISHMANIA) Ethylstibamine, Hydroxystilbamidine, N-Methylglucamine, Pentamidine, Sodium Stibogluconate see 707 Stilbamidine, Urea Stibamine ANTIPROTOZOAL (TOXO-PLASMA) Pyrimethamine ANTIPROTOZOAL (TRICHO-MONAS) Acetarsone, Aminitrozole, Anisomycin, Azanidazole, Furazolidone, Hachimycin, Lauroguadine, Mepartricin, Metronidazole, Nifuratel, Nifuroxime, Nimorazole, Secnidazole, Silver Picrate, Tenonitrozole, Tinidazole ANTIPROTOZOAL (TRYPANO-SOMA) Benznidazole, Eflomithine, Melarsoprol, Nifurtimox, Oxophenarsine Hydrochloride, Pentamidine, Propamidine, Puromycjn, Quinapyramine, Stilbamidine, Suramin Sodium, Trypan Red, Tryparsamide ANTIVIRAL Monoclonal Antibodies Palivizumab Peptidomimetics Amprenavir, Indinavir, Lopinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir, Saquinavir Polynucleotides Ampligen, Fomivirsen Purines/Pyrimidinones Abacavir, Acyclovir, Adefovir, Cidofovir, Cytarabine, Didanosine, Dideoxyadenosine, Edoxudine, Emtricitabine, Famciclovir, Floxuridine, Ganciclovir, Idoxuridine, Inosine Pranobex, Lamivudine, MADU, Penciclovir, Sorivudine, Stavudine, Tenofovir, Trifluridine, Valacyclovir, Valganciclovir, Vidarabine, Zalcitabine, Zidovudine Sialic Acid Analogs Oseltamivir, Zanamivir Others Acemannan, Acetylleucine Monoethanolamine, Amantadine, Amidinomycin, Atevirdine, Capravirine, Delavirdine, n-Docosanol, Efavirenz, Foscamet Sodium, Interferon-∀, Interferon-∃, Interferon-y, Kethoxal, Lysozyme, Methisazone, Moroxydine, Nevirapine, Pentafiiside, Pleconaril, Podophyllotoxin, Ribavirin, Rimantadine, Stallimycin, Statolon, Tremacamra, Tromantadine AROMATASE INHIBITORS Aminoglutethimide, Anastrozole, Exemestane, Fadrozole, Formestane, Letrozole, Vorozole DIAGNOSTIC AID (MRI CONTRAST AGENT) Ferumoxides, Ferumoxsil, Gadobenate Dimeglumine, Gadobutrol, Gadodiamide, Gadopentetic Acid, Gadoteridol, Gadoversetamide, Gadoxetic Acid, Mangafodipir, MS-325, Perflubron DIAGNOSTIC AID (RADIOACTIVE IMAGING AGENT) Arcitumomab Complex with Tc, Butedronic Acid Complex, Capromab Pendetide, Depreotide Complex with Tc, Disofenin Complex with Tc, Exametazime Complex with Tc, Fludeoxyglucose F18, o-Iodohippurate Sodium ¹³¹I, Iofetamine ¹²³I GLUCOCORTOCOID 21-Acetoxypregnenolone, Alclometasone, Algestone, Amcinonide, Beclomethasone, Betamethasone, Budesonide, Chloroprednisone, Ciclesonide, Clobetasol, Clobetasone, Clocortolone, Cloprednol, Corticosterone, Cortisone, Cortivazol, Deflazacort, Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate, Prednisone, Prednival, Prednylidene, Rimexolone, Tixocortol, Triamcinolone, Triamcinolone Acetonide, Triamcinolone Benetonide, Triamcinolone Hexacetonide GROWTH HORMONE ANTAGONIST/INHIBITOR Octreotide, Pegvisomant, Somatostatin GROWTH HORMONE RELEASING FACTOR Sermorelin GROWTH STIMULANT Somatotropin REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR Abacavir, Atevirdine, Capravirine, Delavirdine, Didanosine, Dideoxyadenosine, Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, Foscarnet Sodium, Lamivudine, Nevirapine, Stavudine, Suramin Sodium, Tenofovir, Zalcitabine, Zidovudine TOPOISOMERASEI INHIBITOR 9-Aminocamptothecin, Irinotecan, Topotecan TOPOISOMERASE II INHIBITOR Daunorubicin, Doxorubicin, Etoposide, Sobuzoxane, Teniposide

C. Properties of the Oligomers

As noted above, the present disclosure is directed to oligomer comprising various modifications which impart desirable properties (e.g., increased antisense activity) to the oligomers. In certain embodiments, the oligomer comprises a backbone comprising a sequence of morpholino ring structures joined by intersubunit linkages, the intersubunit linkages joining a 3′-end of one morpholino ring structure to a 5′-end of an adjacent morpholino ring structure, wherein each morpholino ring structure is bound to a base-pairing moiety, such that the oligomer can bind in a sequence-specific manner to a target nucleic acid. The morpholino ring structures may have the following structure (i):

wherein B is, at each occurrence, independently a base-pairing moiety.

Each morpholino ring structure supports a base pairing moiety (Pi), to form a sequence of base pairing moieties which is typically designed to hybridize to a selected antisense target in a cell or in a subject being treated. The base pairing moiety may be a purine or pyrimidine found in native DNA or RNA (A, G, C, T, or U) or an analog, such as hypoxanthine (the base component of the nucleoside inosine) or 5-methyl cytosine. Analog bases that confer improved binding affinity to the oligomer can also be utilized. Exemplary analogs in this regard include C5-propynyl-modified pyrimidines, 9-(aminoethoxy)phenoxazine (G-clamp) and the like.

Further examples of base pairing moieties include, but are not limited to, uracil, thymine, adenine, cytosine, and guanine having their respective amino groups protected by acyl protecting groups, 2-fluorouracil, 2-fluorocytosine, 5-bromouracil, 5-iodouracil, 2,6-diaminopurine, azacytosine, pyrimidine analogs such as pseudoisocytosine and pseudouracil and other modified nucleobases such as 8-substituted purines, xanthine, or hypoxanthine (the latter two being the natural degradation products). The modified nucleobases disclosed in Chiu and Rana, RNA, 2003, 9, 1034-1048, Limbach et al. Nucleic Acids Research, 1994, 22, 2183-2196 and Revankar and Rao, Comprehensive Natural Products Chemistry, vol. 7, 313, are also contemplated.

Further examples of base pairing moieties include, but are not limited to, expanded-size nucleobases in which one or more benzene rings has been added. Nucleic base replacements described in the Glen Research catalog (www.glenresearch.com); Krueger A T et al, Acc. Chem. Res., 2007, 40, 141-150; Kool, ET, Acc. Chem. Res., 2002, 35, 936-943; Benner S. A., et al., Nat. Rev. Genet., 2005, 6, 553-543; Romesberg, F. E., et al., Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol., 2003, 7, 723-733; Hirao, I., Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol., 2006, 10, 622-627, are contemplated as useful for the synthesis of the oligomers described herein. Some examples of these expanded-size nucleobases are shown below:

As noted above, the oligomer may be modified, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, to include one or more X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains at least one X3-X8 group and no X2 group. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains at least one X2, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8 group and no X3 group. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains at least one X2, X3, X5, X6, X7, or X8 group and no X4 group. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains at least one X2, X3, X4, X6, X7, or X8 group and no X5 group. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains at least one X2, X3, X4, X5, X7, or X8 group and no X6 group. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains at least one X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, or X8 group and no X7 group. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains at least one X2-X7 group and no X8 group. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein R¹³ is acetyl and X is not

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein each X group is independently selected as described above with the provision that if the X group on the phosphorous linkage proximal to the 3′ terminus is

then at least one other X group is not X1.

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein each X group is independently selected as described above with the provision that if the X group on the phosphorous linkage proximal to the 3′ terminus is

then at least two other X groups are not X1.

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein each X group is independently selected as described above with the provision that if the X group on the phosphorous linkage proximal to the 3′ terminus is

then at least three other X groups are not X1.

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein each X group is independently selected as described above with the provision that if the X group on the phosphorous linkage proximal to the 3′ terminus is

then all other X groups are not X1.

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein each X group is independently selected as described above with the provision that if X1 is present as N(CH₃)₂, and X3 is present as

then X7 is not piperdinyl.

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein each X group is independently selected as described above with the provision that if X1 is present as N(CH₃)₂, and X7 is present as piperidinyl, then X3 is not

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains one X2-X8 group per every 2-5 X1 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 3-5 X2-X8 groups per every 10 X1 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 3-5 X2-X8 groups per every 10 X1 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 100% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 95-100% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 90-95% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 85-90% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 80-85% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 75-80% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 70-75% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 65-70% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 60-65% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 55-60% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 50-55% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 45-50% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 40-45% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 35-40% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 30-35% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 25-30% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 20-25% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 15-20% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 10-15% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains 5-10% X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I contains less than 5% X2-X8 groups.

In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein the X1 groups and the X2-X8 groups are interspersed along the backbone. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein the X1 groups and the X2-X8 groups have a strictly alternating pattern along the backbone. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I wherein the X1 groups and the X2-X8 groups do not have a strictly alternating pattern along the backbone. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I having blocks of X1 groups and blocks of X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I having a central block of X1 groups flanked by blocks of X2-X8 groups. In some embodiments is a compound of Formula I having a central block of X2-X8 groups flanked by blocks of X1 groups.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is selected from X2-X8 is another embodiment wherein n is an integer from 30-35. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is selected from X2-X8, n is an integer from 25-29. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is selected from X2-X8, n is an integer from 20-24. In further embodiments of any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is selected from X2-X8, n is an integer from 15-19. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is selected from X2-X8, n is an integer from 10-14. In further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is selected from X2-X8, n is an integer from 5-9. In yet further embodiments of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein at least one X is selected from X2-X8, n is an integer from 1-4.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein one X is X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein two X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein three X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein four X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein five X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein six X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein seven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein eight X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein nine X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein ten X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein eleven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein twelve X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein thirteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein fourteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein fifteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein sixteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein seventeen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein eighteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein nineteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 30-35 is another embodiment wherein twenty X are independently selected from X2-X8.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein one X is X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein two X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein three X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein four X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein five X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein six X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein seven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein eight X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein nine X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein ten X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein eleven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein twelve X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein thirteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein fourteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein fifteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer 25-30 is another embodiment wherein sixteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein seventeen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein eighteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein nineteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 25-30 is another embodiment wherein twenty X are independently selected from X2-X8.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein one X is X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein two X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein three X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein four X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein five X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein six X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein seven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein eight X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein nine X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein ten X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein eleven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein twelve X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein thirteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein fourteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein fifteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer 20-25 is another embodiment wherein sixteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein seventeen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein eighteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein nineteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 20-25 is another embodiment wherein twenty X are independently selected from X2-X8.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein one X is X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein two X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein three X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein four X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein five X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein six X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein seven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein eight X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein nine X are independently selected 15-20 is another embodiment wherein ten X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein eleven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein twelve X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein thirteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein fourteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 15-20 is another embodiment wherein fifteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer 16-20 is another embodiment wherein sixteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 17-20 is another embodiment wherein seventeen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 18-20 is another embodiment wherein eighteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 19-20 is another embodiment wherein nineteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is 20 is another embodiment wherein twenty X are independently selected from X2-X8.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein one X is X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein two X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein three X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein four X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein five X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein six X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein seven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein eight X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein nine X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 10-15 is another embodiment wherein ten X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 11-15 is another embodiment wherein eleven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 12-15 is another embodiment wherein twelve X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 13-15 is another embodiment wherein thirteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 14-15 is another embodiment wherein fourteen X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is 15 is another embodiment wherein fifteen X are independently selected from X2-X8.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 5-10 is another embodiment wherein one X is X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 5-10 is another embodiment wherein two X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 5-10 is another embodiment wherein three X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 5-10 is another embodiment wherein four X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 5-10 is another embodiment wherein five X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 6-10 is another embodiment wherein six X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 7-10 is another embodiment wherein seven X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 8-10 is another embodiment wherein eight X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 9-10 is another embodiment wherein nine X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is 10 is another embodiment wherein ten X are independently selected from X2-X8.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 1-5 is another embodiment wherein one X is X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 2-5 is another embodiment wherein two X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 3-5 is another embodiment wherein three X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is an integer from 4-5 is another embodiment wherein four X are independently selected from X2-X8. In any of the aforementioned embodiments of Formula (I) wherein n is 5 is another embodiment wherein five X are independently selected from X2-X8.

In some embodiments for antisense applications, the oligomer may be 100% complementary to the nucleic acid target sequence, or it may include mismatches, e.g., to accommodate variants, as long as a heteroduplex formed between the oligomer and nucleic acid target sequence is sufficiently stable to withstand the action of cellular nucleases and other modes of degradation which may occur in vivo. Mismatches, if present, are less destabilizing toward the end regions of the hybrid duplex than in the middle. The number of mismatches allowed will depend on the length of the oligomer, the percentage of G:C base pairs in the duplex, and the position of the mismatch(es) in the duplex, according to well understood principles of duplex stability. Although such an antisense oligomer is not necessarily 100% complementary to the nucleic acid target sequence, it is effective to stably and specifically bind to the target sequence, such that a biological activity of the nucleic acid target, e.g., expression of encoded protein(s), is modulated.

The stability of the duplex formed between an oligomer and the target sequence is a function of the binding T_(m) and the susceptibility of the duplex to cellular enzymatic cleavage. The T_(m) of an antisense compound with respect to complementary-sequence RNA may be measured by conventional methods, such as those described by Hames et al., Nucleic Acid Hybridization, IRL Press, 1985, pp. 107-108 or as described in Miyada C. G. and Wallace R. B., 1987, Oligonucleotide hybridization techniques, Methods Enzymol. Vol. 154 pp. 94-107.

In some embodiments, each antisense oligomer has a binding T_(m), with respect to a complementary-sequence RNA, of greater than body temperature or in other embodiments greater than 50° C. In other embodiments T_(m)'s are in the range 60-80° C. or greater. According to well known principles, the T_(m) of an oligomer compound, with respect to a complementary-based RNA hybrid, can be increased by increasing the ratio of C:G paired bases in the duplex, and/or by increasing the length (in base pairs) of the heteroduplex. At the same time, for purposes of optimizing cellular uptake, it may be advantageous to limit the size of the oligomer. For this reason, compounds that show high T_(m) (50° C. or greater) at a length of 20 bases or less are generally preferred over those requiring greater than 20 bases for high T_(m) values. For some applications, longer oligomers, for example longer than 20 bases may have certain advantages. For example, in certain embodiments longer oligomers may find particular utility for use in exon skippin or splice modulation.

The targeting sequence bases may be normal DNA bases or analogues thereof, e.g., uracil and inosine that are capable of Watson-Crick base pairing to target-sequence RNA bases.

The oligomers may also incorporate guanine bases in place of adenine when the target nucleotide is a uracil residue. This is useful when the target sequence varies across different viral species and the variation at any given nucleotide residue is either cytosine or uracil. By utilizing guanine in the targeting oligomer at the position of variability, the well-known ability of guanine to base pair with uracil (termed C/U:G base pairing) can be exploited. By incorporating guanine at these locations, a single oligomer can effectively target a wider range of RNA target variability.

The compounds (e.g., oligomers, intersubunit linkages, terminal groups) may exist in different isomeric forms, for example structural isomers (e.g., tautomers). With regard to stereoisomers, the compounds may have chiral centers and may occur as racemates, enantiomerically enriched mixtures, individual enantiomers, mixture or diastereomers or individual diastereomers. All such isomeric forms are included within the present invention, including mixtures thereof. The compounds may also possess axial chirality which may result in atropisomers. Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms of the compounds may exist as polymorphs, which are included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds may also form solvates with water or other organic solvents. Such solvates are similarly included within the scope of this invention.

The oligomers described herein may be used in methods of inhibiting production of a protein or replication of a virus. Accordingly, in one embodiment a nucleic acid encoding such a protein is exposed to an oligomer as disclosed herein. In further embodiments of the foregoing, the antisense oligomer comprises either a 5′ or 3′ modified terminal group or combinations thereof, as disclosed herein, and the base pairing moieties B form a sequence effective to hybridize to a portion of the nucleic acid at a location effective to inhibit production of the protein. In one embodiment, the location is an ATG start codon region of an mRNA, a splice site of a pre-mRNA, or a viral target sequence as described below.

In one embodiment, the oligomer has a T_(m) with respect to binding to the target sequence of greater than about 50° C., and it is taken up by mammalian cells or bacterial cells. In another embodiment, the oligomer may be conjugated to a transport moiety, for example an arginine-rich peptide, as described herein to facilitate such uptake. In another embodiment, the terminal modifications described herein can function as a transport moiety to facilitate uptake by mammalian and/or bacterial cells.

The preparation and properties of morpholino oligomers is described in more detail below and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,444 and WO/2009/064471, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

D. Formulation and Administration of the Oligomers

The present disclosure also provides for formulation and delivery of the disclosed oligomer. Accordingly, in one embodiment the present disclosure is directed to a composition comprising an oligomer as disclosed herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Effective delivery of the antisense oligomer to the target nucleic acid is an important aspect of treatment. Routes of antisense oligomer delivery include, but are not limited to, various systemic routes, including oral and parenteral routes, e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intramuscular, as well as inhalation, transdermal and topical delivery. The appropriate route may be determined by one of skill in the art, as appropriate to the condition of the subject under treatment. For example, an appropriate route for delivery of an antisense oligomer in the treatment of a viral infection of the skin is topical delivery, while delivery of a antisense oligomer for the treatment of a viral respiratory infection is by inhalation. The oligomer may also be delivered directly to the site of viral infection, or to the bloodstream.

The antisense oligomer may be administered in any convenient vehicle which is physiologically and/or pharmaceutically acceptable. Such a composition may include any of a variety of standard pharmaceutically acceptable carriers employed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples include, but are not limited to, saline, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), water, aqueous ethanol, emulsions, such as oil/water emulsions or triglyceride emulsions, tablets and capsules. The choice of suitable physiologically acceptable carrier will vary dependent upon the chosen mode of administration.

The compounds (e.g., oligomers) of the present invention may generally be utilized as the free acid or free base. Alternatively, the compounds of this invention may be used in the form of acid or base addition salts. Acid addition salts of the free amino compounds of the present invention may be prepared by methods well known in the art, and may be formed from organic and inorganic acids. Suitable organic acids include maleic, fumaric, benzoic, ascorbic, succinic, methanesulfonic, acetic, trifluoroacetic, oxalic, propionic, tartaric, salicylic, citric, gluconic, lactic, mandelic, cinnamic, aspartic, stearic, palmitic, glycolic, glutamic, and benzenesulfonic acids. Suitable inorganic acids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, and nitric acids. Base addition salts included those salts that form with the carboxylate anion and include salts formed with organic and inorganic cations such as those chosen from the alkali and alkaline earth metals (for example, lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, barium and calcium), as well as the ammonium ion and substituted derivatives thereof (for example, dibenzylammonium, benzylammonium, 2-hydroxyethylammonium, and the like). Thus, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” of structure (I) is intended to encompass any and all acceptable salt forms.

In addition, prodrugs are also included within the context of this invention. Prodrugs are any covalently bonded carriers that release a compound of structure (I) in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a patient. Prodrugs are generally prepared by modifying functional groups in a way such that the modification is cleaved, either by routine manipulation or in vivo, yielding the parent compound. Prodrugs include, for example, compounds of this invention wherein hydroxy, amine or sulfhydryl groups are bonded to any group that, when administered to a patient, cleaves to form the hydroxy, amine or sulfhydryl groups. Thus, representative examples of prodrugs include (but are not limited to) acetate, formate and benzoate derivatives of alcohol and amine functional groups of the compounds of structure (I). Further, in the case of a carboxylic acid (—COOH), esters may be employed, such as methyl esters, ethyl esters, and the like.

In some instances, liposomes may be employed to facilitate uptake of the antisense oligonucleotide into cells. (See, e.g., Williams, S. A., Leukemia 10(12):1980-1989, 1996; Lappalainen et al., Antiviral Res. 23:119, 1994; Uhlmann et al., antisense oligonucleotides: a new therapeutic principle, Chemical Reviews, Volume 90, No. 4, pages 544-584, 1990; Gregoriadis, G., Chapter 14, Liposomes, Drug Carriers in Biology and Medicine, pp. 287-341, Academic Press, 1979). Hydrogels may also be used as vehicles for antisense oligomer administration, for example, as described in WO 93/01286. Alternatively, the oligonucleotides may be administered in microspheres or microparticles. (See, e.g., Wu, G. Y. and Wu, C. H., J. Biol. Chem. 262:4429-4432, 1987). Alternatively, the use of gas-filled microbubbles complexed with the antisense oligomers can enhance delivery to target tissues, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,747. Sustained release compositions may also be used. These may include semipermeable polymeric matrices in the form of shaped articles such as films or microcapsules.

In one embodiment, antisense inhibition is effective in treating infection of a host animal by a virus, by contacting a cell infected with the virus with an antisense agent effective to inhibit the replication of the specific virus. The antisense agent is administered to a mammalian subject, e.g., human or domestic animal, infected with a given virus, in a suitable pharmaceutical carrier. It is contemplated that the antisense oligonucleotide arrests the growth of the RNA virus in the host. The RNA virus may be decreased in number or eliminated with little or no detrimental effect on the normal growth or development of the host.

In one aspect of the method, the subject is a human subject, e.g., a patient diagnosed as having a localized or systemic viral infection. The condition of a patient may also dictate prophylactic administration of an antisense oligomer of the invention, e.g. in the case of a patient who (1) is immunocompromised; (2) is a burn victim; (3) has an indwelling catheter; or (4) is about to undergo or has recently undergone surgery. In one preferred embodiment, the oligomer is a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer, contained in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and is delivered orally. In another preferred embodiment, the oligomer is a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer, contained in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and is delivered intravenously (i.v.).

In another application of the method, the subject is a livestock animal, e.g., a chicken, turkey, pig, cow or goat, etc, and the treatment is either prophylactic or therapeutic. The invention also includes a livestock and poultry food composition containing a food grain supplemented with a subtherapeutic amount of an antiviral antisense compound of the type described above. Also contemplated is, in a method of feeding livestock and poultry with a food grain supplemented with subtherapeutic levels of an antiviral, an improvement in which the food grain is supplemented with a subtherapeutic amount of an antiviral oligonucleotide composition as described above.

In one embodiment, the antisense compound is administered in an amount and manner effective to result in a peak blood concentration of at least 200-400 nM antisense oligomer. Typically, one or more doses of antisense oligomer are administered, generally at regular intervals, for a period of about one to two weeks. Preferred doses for oral administration are from about 1-1000 mg oligomer per 70 kg. In some cases, doses of greater than 1000 mg oligomer/patient may be necessary. For i.v. administration, preferred doses are from about 0.5 mg to 1000 mg oligomer per 70 kg. The antisense oligomer may be administered at regular intervals for a short time period, e.g., daily for two weeks or less. However, in some cases the oligomer is administered intermittently over a longer period of time. Administration may be followed by, or concurrent with, administration of an antibiotic or other therapeutic treatment. The treatment regimen may be adjusted (dose, frequency, route, etc.) as indicated, based on the results of immunoassays, other biochemical tests and physiological examination of the subject under treatment.

An effective in vivo treatment regimen using the antisense oligonucleotides of the invention may vary according to the duration, dose, frequency and route of administration, as well as the condition of the subject under treatment (i.e., prophylactic administration versus administration in response to localized or systemic infection). Accordingly, such in vivo therapy will often require monitoring by tests appropriate to the particular type of viral infection under treatment, and corresponding adjustments in the dose or treatment regimen, in order to achieve an optimal therapeutic outcome. Treatment may be monitored, e.g., by general indicators of disease and/or infection, such as complete blood count (CBC), nucleic acid detection methods, immunodiagnostic tests, viral culture, or detection of heteroduplex.

The efficacy of an in vivo administered antiviral antisense oligomer of the invention in inhibiting or eliminating the growth of one or more types of RNA virus may be determined from biological samples (tissue, blood, urine etc.) taken from a subject prior to, during and subsequent to administration of the antisense oligomer. Assays of such samples include (1) monitoring the presence or absence of heteroduplex formation with target and non-target sequences, using procedures known to those skilled in the art, e.g., an electrophoretic gel mobility assay; (2) monitoring the amount of viral protein production, as determined by standard techniques such as ELISA or Western blotting, or (3) measuring the effect on viral titer, e.g. by the method of Spearman-Karber. (See, for example, Pari, G. S. et al., Antimicrob. Agents and Chemotherapy 39(5):1157-1161, 1995; Anderson, K. P. et al., Antimicrob. Agents and Chemotherapy 40(9):2004-2011, 1996, Cottral, G. E. (ed) in: Manual of Standard Methods for Veterinary Microbiology, pp. 60-93, 1978).

In some embodiments, the oligomer is actively taken up by mammalian cells. In further embodiments, the oligomer may be conjugated to a transport moiety (e.g., transport peptide) as described herein to facilitate such uptake.

E. Preparation of the Oligomers

The morpholino subunits, the modified intersubunit linkages and oligomers comprising the same can be prepared as described in the examples and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,185,444 and 7,943,762 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The morpholino subunits can be prepared according to the following general Reaction Scheme I.

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1, wherein B represents a base pairing moiety and PG represents a protecting group, the morpholino subunits may be prepared from the corresponding ribonucleoside (1) as shown. The morpholino subunit (2) may be optionally protected by reaction with a suitable protecting group precursor, for example trityl chloride. The 3′ protecting group is generally removed during solid-state oligomer synthesis as described in more detail below. The base pairing poiety may be suitable protected for sold phase oligomer synthesis. Suitable protecting groups include benzoyl for adenine and cytosine, phenylacetyl for guanine, and pivaloyloxymethyl for hypoxanthine (I). The pivaloyloxymethyl group can be introduced onto the N1 position of the hypoxanthine heterocyclic base. Although an unprotected hypoxanthine subunit, may be employed, yields in activation reactions are far superior when the base is protected. Other suitable protecting groups include those disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/271,040, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Reaction of 3 with the activated phosphorous compound 4, results in morpholino subunits having the desired linkage moiety 5. Compounds of structure 4 can be prepared using any number of methods known to those of skill in the art. For example, such compounds may be prepared by reaction of the corresponding amine and phosphorous oxychloride. In this regard, the amine starting material can be prepared using any method known in the art, for example those methods described in the Examples and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,762.

Compounds of structure 5 can be used in solid-phase automated oligomer synthesis for preparation of oligomers comprising the intersubunit linkages. Such methods are well known in the art. Briefly, a compound of structure 5 may be modified at the 5′ end to contain a linker to a solid support. For example, compound 5 may be linked to a solid support by a linker comprising L¹¹ and L¹⁵. An exemplary method is demonstrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Once supported, the protecting group (e.g., trityl) is removed and the free amine is reacted with an activated phosphorous moiety of a second compound of structure 5. This sequence is repeated until the desired length oligo is obtained. The protecting group in the terminal 5′ end may either be removed or left on if a 5′-modification is desired. The oligo can be removed from the solid support using any number of methods, for example treatment with DTT followed by ammonium hydroxide as depicted in FIG. 3.

The preparation of modified morpholino subunits and morpholino oligomers are described in more detail in the Examples. The morpholino oligomers containing any number of modified linkages may be prepared using methods described herein, methods known in the art and/or described by reference herein. Also described in the examples are global modifications of morpholino oligomers prepared as previously described (see e.g., PCT publication WO2008036127).

The term “protecting group” refers to chemical moieties that block some or all reactive moieties of a compound and prevent such moieties from participating in chemical reactions until the protective group is removed, for example, those moieties listed and described in T. W. Greene, P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd ed. John Wiley & Sons (1999). It may be advantageous, where different protecting groups are employed, that each (different) protective group be removable by a different means. Protective groups that are cleaved under totally disparate reaction conditions allow differential removal of such protecting groups. For example, protective groups can be removed by acid, base, and hydrogenolysis. Groups such as trityl, dimethoxytrityl, acetal and tert-butyldimethylsilyl are acid labile and may be used to protect carboxy and hydroxy reactive moieties in the presence of amino groups protected with Cbz groups, which are removable by hydrogenolysis, and Fmoc groups, which are base labile. Carboxylic acid moieties may be blocked with base labile groups such as, without limitation, methyl, or ethyl, and hydroxy reactive moieties may be blocked with base labile groups such as acetyl in the presence of amines blocked with acid labile groups such as tert-butyl carbamate or with carbamates that are both acid and base stable but hydrolytically removable.

Carboxylic acid and hydroxy reactive moieties may also be blocked with hydrolytically removable protective groups such as the benzyl group, while amine groups may be blocked with base labile groups such as Fmoc. A particularly useful amine protecting group for the synthesis of compounds of Formula (I) is the trifluoroacetamide. Carboxylic acid reactive moieties may be blocked with oxidatively-removable protective groups such as 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl, while co-existing amino groups may be blocked with fluoride labile silyl carbamates.

Allyl blocking groups are useful in the presence of acid- and base-protecting groups since the former are stable and can be subsequently removed by metal or pi-acid catalysts. For example, an allyl-blocked carboxylic acid can be deprotected with a palladium(0)-catalyzed reaction in the presence of acid labile t-butyl carbamate or base-labile acetate amine protecting groups. Yet another form of protecting group is a resin to which a compound or intermediate may be attached. As long as the residue is attached to the resin, that functional group is blocked and cannot react. Once released from the resin, the functional group is available to react.

Typical blocking/protecting groups are known in the art and include, but are not limited to the following moieties:

F. Antisense Activity of the Oligomers

RNAi

RNA interference (RNAi) is a method of modulating gene expression. RNAi is a naturally occurring process. RNAi can also be induced by delivery of exogenous RNA sequences.

Naturally occurring RNAi is initiated by the recognition of double-stranded RNA sequences (dsRNA) by an RNase III enzyme (e.g., Dicer), followed by cleavage of the dsRNA into short fragments of ˜20 nucleotides called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Dicer is an RNase III enzyme with ATPase/RNA helicase, a DUF283 (Domain of unknown function) domain, a PAZ (Piwi, Argonaut and Zwille) domain which can bind the characteristic two-base 3′ overhangs of microRNA (miRNA) and siRNA, two catalytic RNase III domains (RIIIa and RIIIb), and a C-terminal double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD). Following cleavage, each siRNA molecule is unwound into two single-stranded RNA sequences (ssRNAs). One strand, the passenger, is degraded. The other stand, the guide, is incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). RISC is a ribonucleoprotein complex containing members of the Argonaute (Ago) family of proteins. Argonaute proteins have endonuclease activity. RNAi occurs when the guide strand base binds to a complementary RNA sequence (for example, mRNA or pre-mRNA). The binding of the guide sequence induces cleavage of the guide sequence and the complementary sequence by Argonaute.

RNAi can also be initiated by the introduction of exogenous RNA sequences, for example siRNA sequences, miRNA sequences, and antisense oligonucleotides. Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) are single-stranded oligonucleotides that are complementary to a target pre-mRNA or mRNA sequence. Once contacted with the complementary sequence, the AON will bind to the complementary sequence by Watson-Crick base-pair binding. In certain instances, an exogenous AON enters a cell. The AON binds to a complementary RNA sequence (e.g., pre-mRNA or mRNA), and the binding of the antisense sequence molecule induces cleavage of the complementary RNA sequence (e.g., by RNase-H).

Alternatively, AONs can be designed so that their binding does not induce cleavage of the complementary RNA strand, but instead disrupts processing of pre-mRNA (e.g., splicing, capping, polyadenylation), or changes or prevents the translation of mRNA sequences (e.g., by sterically interfering with the binding of one or more enzymes). For example, generating an AON as a morpholino results in an AON that does not support RNase-H mediated cleavage of the complementary strand. Instead, the binding of the morpholino AON to a target pre-mRNA sequence results in a stable complex that can (a) disrupt the ability of the splice some to splice the pre-mRNA (e.g., by blocking a splice acceptor site or a splice donor site), (b) disrupt capping the pre-mRNA, or (c) disrupt poly-adenylation of the pre-mRNA (e.g., by blocking the binding site for CPSF, CstF, or CFI).

The present disclosure provides a method of inhibiting or altering expression of a target nucleic acid sequence, the method comprising exposing a nucleic acid encoding the protein to an oligomer as disclosed herein. Accordingly, in one embodiment a target nucleic acid sequence is exposed to an antisense oligomer as described herein, or in other embodiments 10% to 50% such modified linkages, as disclosed herein, where the base pairing moieties Pi form a sequence effective to hybridize to a portion of the target nucleic acid sequence at a location effective to inhibit or alter expression of the target nucleic acid sequence. The oligomer may target, for example, an ATG start codon region of an mRNA, a splice site of a pre-mRNA, or a viral target sequence as described below. In another embodiment, the method comprises exposing a target nucleic acid sequence to an antisense oligomer comprising at least one terminal modification. In another embodiment, the method comprises exposing a target nucleic acid sequence to an antisense oligomer comprising a peptide transporter moiety.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of enhancing antisense activity of an oligomer having a sequence of morpholino subunits, joined by intersubunit linkages, supporting base-pairing moieties, the method comprises modifying an oligomer as described herein to contain at least one of the modified terminal groups, at least one intersubunit linkage wherein X does not equal X1 or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, enhancement of antisense activity may be evidenced by:

(i) a decrease in expression of a target nucleic acid sequence, relative to that provided by a corresponding unmodified oligomer, or

(ii) an increase in expression of a target nucleic acid sequence, relative to that provided by a corresponding unmodified oligomer. Assays suitable for measurement of these effects are described further below. In one embodiment, modification provides this activity in a cell-free translation assay, a splice correction translation assay in cell culture, or a splice correction gain of function animal model system as described herein. In one embodiment, activity is enhanced by a factor of at least two, at least five or at least ten.

Described below are various exemplary applications of the oligomers of the invention including antimicrobial (e.g., antivirals and antibacterials) applications, treatment by altering gene expression, cancer treatment, and treatment of inflammatory, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. This description is not meant to limit the invention in any way but serves to exemplify the range of diseases and disorders that can be addressed using oligomers comprising the modified intersubunit linkages described herein.

Antisense oligonucleotides have been used as antimicrobial drugs (e.g., antivirals and antibacterials). In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used as an antiviral drug. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used to inhibit the expression of virally-encoded proteins. In some embodiments, inhibiting the expression of virally-encoded proteins treats a viral infection. In some embodiments, the oligomers can be used in methods of inhibiting in a mammalian host cell, replication of an infecting RNA virus having a single-stranded, positive-sense genome. The method includes administering to the infected host cells, a virus-inhibitory amount of an oligomer as described herein, having a targeting sequence of at least 12 subunits that is complementary to a target nucleic acid sequence of the virus. The compound may be administered to a mammalian subject infected with the virus, or at risk of infection with the virus. In some embodiments, the target sequence encodes a polyprotein containing non-structural proteins such as polymerases, helicases and proteases. In some embodiments, the target sites include targets that are conserved between a variety of viral isolates. Other favored sites include the IRES (internal ribosome entry site), transactivation protein binding sites, and sites of initiation of replication.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used as an antibacterial drug. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein inhibits the expression of a bacterial virulence factor (e.g., a toxin or a protein that inhibits a host immune response). In some embodiments, inhibiting the expression of a bacterial virulence factor treats a bacterial infection.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used treat a disease or disorder (e.g., cancer, inflammatory, metabolic, neurological, cardiovascular) by altering the expression of a gene. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used treat a disease or disorder characterized by undesired or excessive expression of a gene. For example, disorders characterized by undesired angiogenesis may be treated by using a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein to inhibit the expression of VEGF or any other gene implicated in angiogenesis. In some embodiments, disorders characterized by mutated (e.g., non-functional) gene products are treated by a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein. For example, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by somatic mutations that lead to truncated and non-functional dystrophin. Antisense oligonucleotides have been used to alter the splicing of mutant dystrophin pre-mRNA such that a truncated but functional dystrophin protein is produced.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used treat a cancer. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used to decrease the expression of a gene that inhibits apoptosis, inhibits cell adhesion, promotes angiogenesis, promotes cell proliferation, promotes cell growth, or participates in DNA repair. For example, some cancers are associated with the over-expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Inhibiting the expression of these genes by use of a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein may result in an increase in apoptosis of cancer cells or an increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used treat an inflammatory disorder. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used to decrease the expression of cytokines or cell surface molecules involved in chemotaxis. For example, autoimmune disorders are associated with the undesired and excessive immune cell migration. Inhibiting the expression of cytokines or cell surface molecules associated with chemotaxis may result in a decrease in immune cell migration and inflammation.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used treat a cardiovascular disorder. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used to inhibit the expression of lipoproteins, or inhibit the expression of proteins or enzymes that decrease the levels of cardioprotective molecules (e.g., HDL).

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used treat a metabolic disorder. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used to inhibit the expression of gene products that lead to decreased insulin sensitivity or decreased metabolic rates.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used treat a neurological disorder. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used to inhibit the expression of gene products that lead to decreased neural transmission (e.g., gene products that decrease myelin).

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) as disclosed herein is used to modulate expression of nuclear hormone receptors (NHR) from the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily (NHRSF). Examples of particular NHRs include glucocorticoid receptor (GR), progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor (AR). In certain embodiments, the antisense oligonucleotides and agents described herein lead to increased expression of ligand-independent or other selected forms of the receptors, and decreased expression of their inactive forms.

NHR modulators may be useful in treating NHR-associated diseases, including diseases associated with the expression products of genes whose transcription is stimulated or repressed by NHRs. Compounds that antagonize transactivation can be useful in treating metabolic diseases associated with increased levels of glucocorticoid, such as diabetes, osteoporosis and glaucoma, among others. Also, compounds that agonize transactivation can be useful in treating metabolic diseases associated with a deficiency in a nuclear hormone receptor.

Modifications

The function of an antisense oligonucleotide is dependent on both the sequence of the AON and the chemical structure of the AON. Various modifications may be made by adding moieties to or replacing portions of the nucleotides not involved in Watson-Crick base-pair binding. Modifications to the chemical structure can affect the affinity, stability, solubility, toxicity, and stability of the AON.

Different modifications may increase the affinity of the AON for the complementary sequence. They may also decrease affinity for non-complementary sequences. Changes to the charge or chirality of a backbone may also affect affinity.

Modifications may increase resistance to undesired degradation by nucleases. Modifications may also increase or decrease the affinity of the AON for RNase H. For example, morpholino oligonucleotides and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) do not activate RNase H.

Modifications may be designed such that they increase the size of the AON such that it is not readily filtered by the glomerulus. For example, PEGylation of an AON increases the size of an AON such that renal filtration is reduced. Modifications can increase the ability of the AON to bind to plasma proteins in vivo such that they are not rapidly filtered from the blood.

The toxicity of the AON can also be affected by modifications to the chemical structure of the AON. Where it is desirable, toxicity may be increased by certain modifications (e.g., when using the AON as an antimicrobial). Alternatively, toxicity may be decreased by certain modifications. Phosphorodithioate analogs have increased toxicity as compared to other analogs.

Further, modifications to the chemical structure of AONs may result in the AON being directed to specific tissues, organs, or cells. An AON can be directed to a specific tissue by modifying the AON such that it recognizes tissue-specific proteins expressed by the cells of the targeted tissues. The conjugation of a ligand may target an AON to a specific cell. For example, an AON may be conjugated to a ligand that recognizes and binds to a specific receptor only found on specific cells (e.g., hepatocytes). The AON/ligand conjugate bonds to the receptor and accesses the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Conjugating cholesterol to an AON may target the AON to the liver. Further, modifications that promote cell/tissue-specific uptake include the conjugation of polymers, carbohydrate- or peptide-labeled nanoparticles, or liposomes capable of recognizing cell-specific proteins.

Modifications to the chemical structure may also enhance the ability of the AON to enter a cell. In certain instances, conjugating lipids to an AON may increase cellular uptake. Additional conjugates may include protein transduction signals and nuclear localization signals.

Additionally, AONs may be modified to carry cargo. Therapeutic or prophylactic agents may be conjugated to AONs. For example, an AON targeting a cancer cell may further comprise a known chemotherapeutic agent or an AON targeting a bacterial cell may be conjugated to an antibacterial agent. Labels may also be conjugated to AONs, for example so that proper targeting may be monitored or progress of treatment may be monitored. AONs may be conjugated to radiolabels, contrast agents (e.g., gadolinium), or fluorophores.

Modifications to the chemical structure of the AON may also affect the method of administering the AON. Modifications may promote transdermal or transmucosal penetration such that the AON may be administered topically (e.g., as a nasal spray, ear drop, eye drop, oral spray). As discussed above, modifications may increase resistance to renal filtration such that the AON may be administered parenterally. Modifications may result in an AON that may be orally administered by increasing the AON's resistance to degradation by the acidic environment of the stomach or the basic environment of the intestines.

In certain instances, varying the modifications to individual nucleotides may result in an increase in desirable properties or a decrease in undesirable properties.

EXAMPLES I. Chemical Synthesis

Unless otherwise noted, all chemicals were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich-Fluka. Benzoyl adenosine, benzoyl cytidine, and phenylacetyl guanosine were obtained from Carbosynth Limited, UK.

Synthesis of PMO, PMO+, PPMO and PMO containing further linkage modifications as described herein was done using methods known in the art and described in pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/271,036 and 12/271,040 and PCT publication number WO/2009/064471, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

PMO with a 3′ trityl modification are synthesized essentially as described in PCT publication number WO/2009/064471 with the exception that the detritylation step is omitted.

Procedure a for the Preparation of Activated Subunits

To a stirred solution of 6 (1 eq) in dichloromethane was added POCl₃ (1.1 eq), followed by diisopropylethylamine (3 eq) at 0° C., cooled by an ice-bath. After 15 minutes, the ice-bath was removed and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature for one hour. Upon reaction completion, the reaction solution was diluted with dichloromethane, washed with 10% aqueous citric acid three times. After drying over MgSO₄, the organic layer was passed through a plug of silica gel and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting phosphoroamidodichloride (4) was used directly for the next step without further purification.

To a solution of the phosphoroamidodichloride (4) (1 eq), 2,6-lutidine (1 eq) in dichloromethane was added Mo(Tr)T (7) (0.5 eq)/dichloromethane solution, followed by N-methylimidazole (0.2 eq). The reaction stirred at room temperature overnight. Upon reaction completion, the reaction solution was diluted with dichloromethane, and washed with 10% aqueous citric acid three times. After drying over MgSO₄, the organic layer was filtered, then concentrated. The product (8) was purified by silica gel chromatography (eluting with a gradient of ethyl acetate/hexanes), and then stored at −20° C. The structure was confirmed by LCMS analysis.

Procedure B for the Preparation of Activated Subunits

To a solution of POCl₃ (1.1 eq) in dichloromethane was added 2,6-lutidine (2 eq), followed by dropwise addition of Mo(Tr)T (7) (1 eq)/dichloromethane solution at 0° C. After 1 hour, the reaction solution was diluted with dichloromethane, and quickly washed three times with 10% aqueous citric acid. The desired phosphodichloridate (9) was obtained after drying over MgSO₄ and evaporation of solvent.

To a solution of the phosphodichloridate (1 eq) in dichloromethane was added 6 (1 eq)/dichloromethane dropwise to the solution at 0° C. After 15 minutes, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature for about an hour. Upon reaction completion, the product (8) as a white solid was collected by precipitation with the addition of hexanes, followed by filtration. The product was stored at −20° C. after drying under vacuum. The structure was confirmed by LCMS analysis.

Example 1 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl phosphorodichloridate

To a cooled (ice/water bath) DCM solution (20 mL) of phosphorus oxychloride (2.12 mL, 22.7 mmol) was added dropwise 2,6-lutidine (4.82 mL, 41.4 mmol) then a DCM solution (20 mL) Mo(Tr)T (2) (10.0 g, 20.7 mmol) was added dropwise over 15 min (int. temp. 0-10° C.) then bath was removed a stirring continued at ambient temperature for 20 min. The reaction was washed with citric acid solution (40 mL×3, 10% w/v aq), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to a white foam (9.79 g) then used directly for the following procedure.

Example 2 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(dimethylamino)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

To a cooled (ice/water bath) DCM solution (5 mL) of the dichlorophosphate from example 1 (5.00 g, 5.00 mmol) was added a DCM solution (5 mL) of the piperidine (0.61 g, 4.76 mmol) dropwise then the bath was removed and stirring continued at ambient temperature for 30 min. The reaction was loaded directly onto column. Chromatography [SiO₂ column (40 g), DCM/EtOH eluant (gradient 1:0 to 1:1)] to afford the title compound (2.5 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₆H₅₅N₈O₇P 862.4. found m/z=863.6 (M+1).

Example 3 1-(1-(chloro((6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methoxy)phosphoryl)piperidin-4-yl)-1-methylpyrrolidin-1-ium chloride

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in Example 2 to afford the title compound (0.6 g) as a white solid. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₉H₆₀N₈O₇P 903.4. found m/z=903.7 (M+).

Example 4 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

To a cooled (ice/water bath) DCM solution (10 mL) of phosphorus oxychloride (1.02 mL, 11.0 mmol) was added dropwise 2,6-lutidine (3.49 mL, 29.9 mmol) then a DCM solution (10 mL) of methyl piperazine (1.00 g, 10.0 mmol) was added dropwise and stirring continued for 1 h. A DCM solution (10 mL) of Mo(Tr)T (2) (4.82, 10.0 mmol) and NMI (79 μL, 1.0 mmol) was added and stirred 4 h then loaded directly onto column. Chromatography [SiO₂ column (80 g), DCM/Acetone with 2% TEA eluant (gradient 1:0 to 0:1)] to afford the title compound (0.8 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₃H₄₈N₇O₈P 834.4. found m/z=835.5 (M+1).

Example 5 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl morpholinophosphonochloridate

To a cooled solution (ice/water bath) of phosphorus oxychloride (19.1 mL, 205 mmol) in DCM (410 mL) was added dropwise 2,6-lutidine (54.2 mL, 465 mmol) then Mo(Tr)T (2) (90.0 g, 186 mmol) portionwise over 15 min (int. temp. 0-10° C.) and stirred. After 5 min, a DCM solution (205 mL) of morpholine (17.9 mL, 205 mmol) was added dropwise over 15 min (int. temp. 0-8° C.) and stirred. After 15 min, additional DCM solution (10 mL) of morpholine (0.500 mL) was added, stirred 5 min then washed with citric acid solution (300 mL×3, 10% w/v aq), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to a viscous oil which was loaded directly onto column. Chromatography [SiO₂ column (330 g), hexanes/EtOAc eluant (gradient 1:0 to 0:1)] to afford the title compound (78.5 g, 65% yield) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₃H₄₈N₇O₈P 821.3. found m/z=844.4 (M+Na).

Example 6 (9-((2R,6S)-6-(((chloro(morpholino)phosphoryl)oxy)methyl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)-6-oxo-6,9-dihydro-1H-purin-1-yl)methyl pivalate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in Example 5 to afford the title compound (6.35 g, 79% yield) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₉H₅₆N₉O₉P 945.4. found m/z=1891.9 (2M+1).

Example 7 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in Example 5 to afford the title compound (11.5 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₅H₅₃N₈O₇P 848.4. found m/z=849.7 (M+1).

Example 8 ((2S,6R)-6-(6-benzamido-9H-purin-9-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in Example 5 to afford the title compound (4.5 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₅₂H₅₆N₁₁O₆P 961.4. found m/z=962.8 (M+1).

Example 9 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-isopropylpiperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in Example 5 to afford the title compound (3.5 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₆H₅₅N₈O₇P 862.4. found m/z=863.7 (M+1).

Example 10 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl methyl(2-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)ethyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in Example 5 to afford the title compound (1.0 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₄H₄₈F₃N₈O₈P 904.3. found n/z=903.7 (M−1).

Example 11 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl methyl(2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-n-methylacetamido)ethyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in Example 5 to afford the title compound (1.8 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₅H₅₀F₃N₈O₈P 918.3. found m/z=1836.6 (2M+).

Example 12 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

To a cooled solution (ice/water bath) of phosphorus oxychloride (17.7 mL, 190 mmol) in DCM (190 mL) was added dropwise 2,6-lutidine (101 mL, 864 mmol) then Mo(Tr)T (2) (83.5 g, 173 mmol) portionwise over 15 min (int. temp. 0-10° C.) and stirred. After 30 min, the piperidine (48.9 g, ˜190 mmol) was added dropwise over 15 min (int. temp. 0-8° C.) and stirred. After 1 h, DIPEA (50 mL) was added dropwise (int. temp. 0-10° C.) and stirred 1 h. The reaction was washed with citric acid solution (500 mL×3, 10% w/v aq), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated to a viscous oil which was loaded directly onto column. Chromatography [SiO₂ column (330 g), hexanes/EtOAc eluant (gradient 1:0 to 0:1)] to afford the title compound (91.3 g, 70% yield) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₃H₄₈N₇O₈P 930.9. found m/z=954.4 (M+Na).

Examples 13-37 were prepared via procedure A described above.

Example 13 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(1-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)piperidin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (1.09 g, 23% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₅₁H₅₈F₃N₈O₈P 998.41. found m/z=997.5 (M−1).

Example 14 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-morpholinopiperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.98 g, 84% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₈H₅₇N₈O₈P 904.40. found m/z=903.5 (M−1).

Example 15 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidn-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl bis(3-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)propyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (7.52 g). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₉H₅₄F₆N₉O₉P 1057.37. found m/z=1056.4 (M−1).

Example 16 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl methyl(6,7,9,10,17,18,20,21-octahydrodibenzo [b,k][1,4,7,10,13,16]hexaoxacyclooctadecin-2-yl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.30 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₅₀H₅₆ClN₄O₁₁P 952.32. found m/z=951 (M−1).

Example 17 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl 1,4,7,10-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecan-13-ylphosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (4.26 g, 25% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₉H₆₀N₇O₁₁P 953.41. found m/z=952.7 (M−1).

Example 18 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl 1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxa-16-azacyclooctadecan-16-ylphosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (1.11 g, 18% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₅₁H₆₄N₇O₁₂P 997.44. found m/z=996.6 (M−1).

Example 19 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-oxopiperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (1.03 g, 14% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₄H₄₈N₇O₈P 833.33. found m/z=832.4 (M−1).

Example 20 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (octahydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (4.87 g, 32% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₈H₅₆N₇O₇P 873.40. found m/z=872.7 (M−1).

Example 21 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(trifluoromethyl)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (1.59 g, 42% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₅H₄₉F₃N₇O₇P 887.34. found m/z=886.6 (M−1).

Example 22 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (2.27 g, 24% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₉H₅₂N₉O₉P 941.36. found m/z=940.7 (M−1).

Example 23 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-acetyl-1,4-diazepan-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (6.08 g, 20% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₆H₅₃N₈O₈P 876.37. found m/z=875.9 (M−1).

Example 24 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-acetylpiperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (3.30 g, 20% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₅H₅₁N₈O₈P 862.36. found m/z=861.7 (M−1).

Example 25 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-cyanopiperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.84 g, 25% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₅H₄₉N₈O₇P 844.35. found m/z=843.6 (M−1).

Example 26 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl hex-5-yn-1-yl(methyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.53 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₃₆H₄₀ClN₄O₅P 674.24. found m/z=673 (M−1).

Example 27 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl hex-5-en-1-yl(methyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (1.58 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₃₆H₄₂ClN₄O₅P 676.26. found m/z=675 (M−1).

Example 28 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-([1,1′-biphenyl]-3-ylcarboxamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (2.78 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₇H₄₇ClN₅O₆P 843.30. found m/z=842 (M−1).

Example 29 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(3-cyanobenzamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (4.89 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₂H₄₂ClN₆O₆P 792.26. found m/z=793 (M−1).

Example 30 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl [1,4′-bipiperidin]-1′-ylphosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.83 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₃₉H₄₇ClN₅O₅P 731.30. found m/z=730 (M−1).

Example 31 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(2′,4′-dimethoxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-ylcarboxamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.34 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₉H₅₁ClN₅O₈P 903.32. found m/z=902 (M−1).

Example 32 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl but-3-en-1-yl(methyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.66 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₃₄H₃₈ClN₄O₅P 648.23. found m/z=671 (M+Na).

Example 33 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(2′,3′-dimethoxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-ylcarboxamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.62 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₉H₅₁ClN₅O₈P 903.32. found m/z=902 (M−1).

Example 34 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(3′-(trifluoromethoxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-ylcarboxamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.44 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₈H₄₆ClF₃N₅O₇P 927.28. found m/z=926 (M−1).

Example 35 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(4′-(trifluoromethoxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-ylcarboxamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.51 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₈H₄₆ClF₃N₅O₇P 927.28. found m/z=926 (M−1).

Example 36 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(4′-chloro-3′-(trifluoromethyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-ylcarboxamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.56 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₈H₄₅Cl₂F₃N₅O₆P 945.24. found m/z=944 (M−1).

Example 37 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(3′,5′-dichloro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-ylcarboxamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (0.42 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₇H₄₅Cl₃N₅O₆P 911.22. found m/z=910 (M−1).

Examples 38-40 were prepared via procedure B described above.

Example 38 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure B to afford the title compound (3.13 g, 24% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₇H₅₁N₁₀O₇P 898.37. found m/z=897.7 (M−1).

Example 39 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)piperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure B to afford the title compound (1.0 g, 79% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₇H₅₈N₉O₇P 891.42. found m/z=890.8 (M−1).

Example 40 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure B to afford the title compound (0.72 g, 67% yield). ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₉H₅₃N₈O₇P 896.38. found m/z=895.6 (M−1).

The activated subunits of the foregoing examples can be modified by incorporating A, G, and C nucleobases by applying procedure A and substituting the appropriate A, G, and C morpholino derivatives for Mo(Tr)T. The structures of suitably protected A, G, and C morpholinos are shown in Examples 41-51.

Example 41 N-(9-(6-(hydroxymethyl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)-9H-purin-6-yl)benzamide (Protected A)

Example 42 9-(6-(hydroxymethyl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)-2-(2-phenylacetamido)-9H-purin-6-yl pivalate (Protected G)

Example 43 N-(1-(6-(hydroxymethyl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)benzamide (Protected C)

Example 44 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-N-methylacetamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

Example 45 (6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl methyl(3-(2,2,2-trifluoro-n-methylacetamido)propyl)phosphoramidochloridate

Example 46 (6-(6-benzamido-9H-purin-9-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl morpholinophosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized to afford the title compound (10.81 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₀H₃₉ClN₇O₅P 763.24. found m/z=762 (M−1).

Example 47 (6-(6-benzamido-9H-purin-9-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-acetylpiperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized to afford the title compound (8.67 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₂H₄₂ClN₈O₅P 804.27. found m/z=803 (M−1).

Example 48 9-(6-(((chloro(morpholino)phosphoryl)oxy)methyl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)-2-(2-phenylacetamido)-9H-purin-6-yl pivalate

The title compound was synthesized to afford the title compound (9.88 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₅₃H₅₅ClN₇O₈P 983.35. found m/z=985 (M−1).

Example 49 9-(6-((((4-acetylpiperazin-1-yl)chlorophosphoryl)oxy)methyl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)-2-(2-phenylacetamido)-9H-purin-6-yl pivalate

The title compound was synthesized to afford the title compound (8.40 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₅₅H₅₈ClN₈O₈P 1024.38. found m/z=1023 (M−1).

Example 50 (6-(4-benzamido-2-oxopyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-acetylpiperazin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized to afford the title compound (6.36 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₄₁H₄₂ClN₆O₆P 780.26. found m/z=779 (M−1).

Example 51 (6-(4-benzamido-2-oxopyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl morpholinophosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized to afford the title compound (10.29 g). ESI/MS calcd. for C₃₉H₃₉ClN₅O₆P 739.23. found m/z=738 (M−1).

Example 52 ((2S,6R)-6-(6-benzamido-9H-purin-9-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title compound (15.4 g, 66% yield) as a white solid. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₅₃H₅₃F₃N₁₁O₇P 1043.4. found m/z=1042.5 (M−1).

Example 53 (R)-methyl(1-phenylethyl)phosphoramidic dichloride

To a cooled (ice/water bath) solution of phosphorus oxychloride (2.83 mL, 30.3 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was added sequentially, dropwise, and with stirring 2,6-lutidine (7.06 mL, 60.6 mmol) and a DCM solution of (R)-(+)-N,a-dimethylbenzylamine (3.73 g, 27.6 mmol). After 5 minutes, the bath was removed and reaction mixture allowed to warm to ambient temperature. After 1 hour, the reaction solution was washed with a citric acid solution (50 mL×3, 10% w/v aq), dried (MgSO₄), filtered through SiO₂ and concentrated to provide the title compound (3.80 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₁₉H₂₅N₄O₄P 404.2. found m/z=403.1 (M−1).

Example 54 (S)-methyl(1-phenylethyl)phosphoramidic dichloride

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in Example 53 to afford the title compound (3.95 g) as a white foam. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₁₉H₂₅N₄O₄P 404.2. found m/z=403.1 (M−1).

Example 55 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl methyl((R)-1-phenylethyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title chlorophosphoroamidate (4.46 g, 28% yield) as a white solid. ESI/MS calcd. for C₃₈H₄₀ClN₄O₅P 698.2. found m/z=697.3 (M−1).

Example 56 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl methyl((S)-1-phenylethyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was synthesized in a manner analogous to that described in procedure A to afford the title chlorophosphoroamidate (4.65 g, 23% yield) as a white solid. ESI/MS calcd. for C₃₈H₄₀ClN₄O₅P 698.2. found m/z=697.3 (M−1).

Example 57

(4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonic dichloride hydrochloride

To a cooled (ice/water bath) solution of phosphorus oxychloride (5.70 mL, 55.6 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was added 2,6-lutidine (19.4 mL, 167 mmol) and a DCM solution (30 mL) of 4-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-piperidine (8.58 g, 55.6 mmol) and stirred for 1 hour. The suspension was filtered and solid washed with excess diethyl ether to afford the title pyrrolidine (17.7 g, 91% yield) as a white solid. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₁₉H₃₀N₅₀O₄P 423.2. found m/z=422.2 (M−1).

Example 58 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)phosphonochloridate hydrochloride

To a stirred, cooled (ice/water bath) solution of the dichlorophosphoramidate from Example 57 (17.7 g, 50.6 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) was added a DCM solution (100 mL) of Mo(Tr)T (2) (24.5 g, 50.6 mmol), 2,6-Lutidine (17.7 mL, 152 mmol), and 1-methylimidazole (0.401 mL, 5.06 mmol) dropwise over 10 minutes. The bath was allowed to warm to ambient temperature as suspension was stirred. After 6 hours, the suspension was poured onto diethyl ether (1 L), stirred 15 minutes, filtered and solid washed with additional ether to afford a white solid (45.4 g). The crude product was purified by chromatography [SiO₂ column (120 gram), DCM/MeOH eluant (gradient 1:0 to 6:4)], and the combined fractions were poured onto diethyl ether (2.5 L), stirred 15 min, filtered, and the resulting solid washed with additional ether to afford the title compound (23.1 g, 60% yield) as a white solid. ESI/MS calcd. for 1-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine derivative C₄₈H₅₇N₈O₇P 888.4. found m/z=887.6 (M−1).

Example 59 3-(tert-butyldisulfanyl)-2-(isobutoxycarbonylamino)propanoic acid

To S-tert-butylmercapto-L-cysteine (10 g, 47.8 mmol) in CH₃CN (40 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (16.5 g, 119.5 mmol) in H₂O (20 mL). After stirring for 15 minutes, iso-butyl chloroformate (9.4 mL, 72 mmol) was injected slowly. The reaction was allowed to run for 3 hours. The white solid was filtered through Celite; the filtrate was concentrated to remove CH₃CN. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (200 mL), washed with 1N HCl (40 ml×3), brine (40×1), dried over Na₂SO₄. The title compound was obtained after chromatography (5% MeOH/DCM).

Example 60 tert-butyl 4-(3-(tert-butyldisulfanyl)-2-(isobutoxycarbonylamino)propanamido)piperidine-1-carboxylate

To the acid from Example 59 (6.98 g, 22.6 mmol) in DMF (50 ml was added HATU (8.58 g, 22.6 mmol). After 30 min, Hunig base (4.71 ml, 27.1 mmol) and 1-Boc-4-amino piperidine (5.43 g, 27.1 mmol) were added to the mixture. The reaction was continued stirring at RT for another 3 h. DMF was removed at high vacuum, the crude residue was dissolved in EtAc (300 ml), washed with H₂O (50 ml×3). The title compound was obtained after ISCO purification (5% MeOH/DCM).

Example 61 isobutyl 3-(isopropyldisulfanyl)-1-oxo-1-(piperidin-4-ylamino)propan-2-ylcarbamate

To the compound from Example 60 (7.085 g, 18.12 mmol) was added 30 ml of 4M HCl/Dioxane. The reaction was completed after 2 h at RT. The title compound was used for the next step without further purification.

Example 62 isobutyl 3-(tert-butyldisulfanyl)-1-(1-(dichlorophosphoryl)piperidin-4-ylamino)-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamate

To the compound from Example 61 (7.746 g, 18.12 mmol) in DCM (200 ml) at −78° C. was slowly injected POCl₃ (1.69 ml, 18.12 mmol) under Ar, followed by the addition of Et₃N (7.58 ml, 54.36 mmol). The reaction was stirred at RT for 5 h, concentrated to remove excess base and solvent. The title compound was given as white solid after ISCO purification (50% EtAc/Hexane).

Example 63 isobutyl 3-(tert-butyldisulfanyl)-1-(1-(chloro(((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methoxy)phosphoryl)piperidin-4-ylamino)-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamate

To 1-((2R,6S)-6-(hydroxymethyl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)-5-methylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (moT(Tr)) (5.576 g, 10.98 mmol) in DCM (100 ml) at 0° C., was added lutidine (1.92 ml, 16.47 mmol) and DMAP (669 mg, 5.5 mmol), followed by the addition of the compound from Example 62 (6.13 g, 12.08 mmol). The reaction was left stirring at RT for 18 h. The title compound was obtained after ISCO purification (50% EtAc/Hexane).

Example 64 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methylhexyl(methyl)phosphoramidochloridate

A DCM (80 ml) solution of N-hydroxylmethylamine (4.85 ml, 32 mmol) was cooled down to −78° C. under N2. A solution of phosphoryl chloride (2.98 ml, 32 mmol) in DCM (10 ml), followed by a solution of Et₃N (4.46 ml, 32 mmol) in DCM (10 ml), was added slowly. The stirring was continued while the reaction was allowed to warm to RT overnight. The desired phosphoramidodichloride was given as clear oil after ISCO purification (20% EtAc/Hexane).

To moT(Tr) (2) (5.10 g, 10.54 mmol) in DCM (100 ml) at 0° C., was added lutidine (3.68 ml, 31.6 mmol) and DMAP (642 mg, 5.27 mmol), followed by the addition of the phosphoramidodichloride (4.89 g, 21.08 mmol). The reaction was left stirring at RT for 18 h. The title compound was obtained after ISCO purification (50% EtOAc/Hexane).

Example 65 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl dodecyl(methyl)phosphoramidochloridate

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedures described in Examples 53 and 55.

Example 66 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl morpholinophosphonochloridate

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedures described in Examples 53 and 55.

Example 67 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl (S)-2-(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidin-1-ylphosphonochloridate

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedures described in Examples 53 and 55.

Example 68 ((2S,6R)-6-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-4-tritylmorpholin-2-yl)methyl 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamido)piperidin-1-ylphosphonochloridate

To 1-Boc-4-piperidine (1 g, 5 mmol) in DCM (20 ml) was added Hunig base (1.74 ml, 10 mmol), followed by the addition of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl chloride (1.38 g, 6 mmol). The reaction was run at RT for 3 h, concentrated to remove solvent and excess base. The residue was dissolved in EtAc (100 ml), washed with 0.05N HCl (3×15 ml), sat. NaHCO₃ (2×15 ml), dried over Na₂SO₄. Product (10) was obtained after ISCO purification (5% MeOH/DCM).

To 10 was added 15 ml of 4N HCl/Dioxane, reaction was terminated after 4 h. 11 was obtained as white solid.

A DCM (20 ml) solution of 11 (1.23 g, 4.18 mmol) was cooled down to −78° C. under N₂. A solution of phosphoryl chloride (0.39 ml, 4.18 mmol) in DCM (2 ml), followed by a solution of Et₃N (0.583 ml, 4.18 mmol) in DCM (2 ml), was added slowly. The stirring was continued while the reaction was allowed to warm to RT overnight. The desired product (12) was obtained after ISCO purification (50% EtAc/Hexane).

To moT(Tr) (1.933 g, 4.0 mmol) in DCM (20 ml) at 0° C., was added lutidine (0.93 ml, 8 mmol) and DMAP (49 mg, 0.4 mmol), followed by the addition of 12 (1.647 g, 4 mmol). The reaction was left stirring at RT for 18 h. The desired product (13) was obtained after ISCO purification (50% EtAc/Hexane).

Example 69 Synthesis of Cyclophosphoramide Containing Subunit

The moT subunit (7) (25 g) was suspended in DCM (175 ml) and NMI (N-methylimidazole, 5.94 g, 1.4 eq.) was added to obtain a clear solution. Tosyl chloride was added to the reaction mixture, and the reaction progress was monitored by TLC until done (about 2 hours). An aqueous workup was performed by washing with 0.5 M citric acid buffer (pH=5), followed by brine. The organic layer was separated and dried over Na2SO4. Solvent was removed with a rotavaporator to obtain the crude product (14) which was used in the next step without further purification.

The moT Tosylate (14) was mixed with propanolamine (1 g/10 ml). The reaction mixture was then placed in an oven at 45° C. overnight followed by dilution with DCM (10 ml). An aqueous workup was performed by washing with 0.5 M citric acid buffer (pH=5), followed by brine. The organic layer was separated and dried over Na₂SO₄. Solvent was removed with a rotavaporator to obtain the crude product (15) The curde product was analyzed by NMR and HPLC and determined to be ready for the next step without further purification.

The crude product (15) was dissolved in DCM (2.5 ml DCM/g, 1 eq.) and mixed with DIEA (3 eq.). This solution was cooled with dry ice-acetone and POCl₃ was added dropwise (1.5 eq.). The resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. An aqueous workup was performed by washing with 0.5 M citric acid buffer (pH=5), followed by brine. The organic layer was separated and dried over Na₂SO₄. Solvent was removed with a rotavaporator to obtain the crude product as a yellowish solid. The crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography (crude product/silica=1 to 5 ratio, gradient DCM to 50% EA/DCM), and fractions were pooled according to TLC analysis. Solvent was removed to obtain the desired product (16) as a mixture of diastereomers. The purified product was analyzed by HPLC (NPP quench) and NMR (H-1 and P-31).

The diastereomeric mixture was separated according to the following procedure. The mixture (2.6 g) was dissolved in DCM. This sample was loaded on a RediSepRf column (80 g normal phase made by Teledyne Isco) and eluted with 10% EA/DCM to 50% EA/DCM over 20 minutes. Fractions were collected and analyzed by TLC. Fractions were pooled according to TLC analysis, and solvent was removed with a rotavaporator at room temperature. The diastereomeric ratio of their pooled fractions was determined by P-31 NMR and NPP-TFA analysis. If needed, the above procedure was repeated until the diastereomeric ratio reached 97%.

Example 70 Global Cholic Acid Modification

Cholic acid (17) (12 g, 29.4 mmol), N-hydroxysuccinimide (4.0 g, 34.8 mmol), EDCI (5.6 g, 29.3 mmol), and DMAP (1 g, 8.2 mmol) were charged to a round bottom flask. DCM (400 ml) and THF (40 ml) were added to dissolve. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water (400 ml) was then added to the reaction mixture, the organic layer separated and washed with water (2×400 ml), followed by sat. NaHCO₃ (300 ml) and brine (300 ml). The organic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄. Solvent was removed with rotavaporator to obtain a white solid. The crude product (18) was dissolved in chloroform (100 ml) and precipitated into heptane (1000 ml). The solid was collected by filtration, analyzed by HPLC and NMR and used without further purification.

Compound 19 (20 mg, 2.8 μmol) was weighed into a vial (4 ml) and dissolved in DMSO (500 ul). The activated cholate ester (18) (13 mg, 25 μmol) was added to the reaction mixture according to the ratio of two equivalent of active ester per modification site followed by stirring at room temperature overnight. Reaction progress was determined by MALDI and HPLC (C-18 or SAX).

After the reaction was complete (as determined by disappearance of 19), 1 ml of concentrated ammonia was added to the reaction mixture once the reaction is complete. The reaction vial was then placed in an oven (45° C.) overnight (18 hours) followed by cooling to room temperature and dilution with 1% ammonia in water (10 ml). This sample was loaded on to an SPE column (2 cm), and the vial rinsed with 1% ammonia solution (2×2 ml). The SPE column was washed with 1% ammonia in water (3×6 ml), and the product eluted with 45% acetonitrile in 1% ammonia in water (6 ml). Fractions containing oligomer were identified by UV optical density measurement. Product (20) was isolated by lyophilization. Purity and identity were determined by MALDI and HPLC (C-18 and/or SAX).

This same procedure is applicable to deoxycholic acid activation and conjugation to 19.

Example 71 Global Guanidinylation

Compound 19 (25 mg, 2.8 μmol) was weighed into a vial (6 ml). 1H-Pyrozole-1-carboxamidine chloride (15 mg, 102 μmol) and potassium carbonate (20 mg, 0.15 mmol) were added to the vial. Water was added (500 ul), and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight (about 18 hours). Reaction completion was determined by MALDI.

Once complete, the reaction was diluted with 1% ammonia in water (10 ml) and loaded on to an SPE column (2 cm). The vial was rinsed with 1% ammonia solution (2×2 ml), and the SPE column was washed with 1% ammonia in water (3×6 ml). Product was eluted with 45% acetonitrile in 1% ammonia in water (6 ml). Fractions containing oligomer were identified by UV optical density measurement. Product was isolated by lyophilization. Purity and identity were determined by MALDI and HPLC (C-18 and/or SAX).

Example 72 Global Thioacetyl Modification

Compound 19 (20 mg, 2.3 μmol) was weighed in to a vial (4 ml) and dissolved in DMSO (500 ul). N-succinimidyl-S-acetylthioacetate (SATA) (21) (7 mg, 28 μmol) was added to the reaction mixture, and it was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. Reaction progress was monitored by MALDI and HPLC.

Once complete, 1% ammonia in water was added to the reaction mixture, and it was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. This solution was loaded on to an SPE column (2 cm). The vial was rinsed with 1% ammonia solution (2×2 ml), and the SPE column was washed with 1% ammonia in water (3×6 ml). Product (23) was eluted with 45% acetonitrile in 1% ammonia in water (6 ml). Fractions containing oligomer were identified by UV optical density measurement. Product was isolated by lyophilization. Purity and identity were determined by MALDI and HPLC (C-18 and/or SAX).

Example 73 Global Succinic Acid Modification

Compound 19 (32 mg, 3.7 μmol) was weighed in to a vial (4 ml) and dissolved in DMSO (500 ul). N-ethyl morpholino (12 mg, 100 mol) and succinic anhydride (10 mg, 100 mol) were added to the reaction mixture, and it was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. Reaction progress was monitored by MALDI and HPLC.

Once complete, 1% ammonia in water was added to the reaction mixture, and it was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. This solution was loaded on to an SPE column (2 cm). The vial was rinsed with 1% ammonia solution (2×2 ml), and the SPE column was washed with 1% ammonia in water (3×6 ml). Product (24) was eluted with 45% acetonitrile in 1% ammonia in water (6 ml). Fractions containing oligomer were identified by UV optical density measurement. Product was isolated by lyophilization. Purity and identity were determined by MALDI and HPLC (C-18 and/or SAX).

The above procedure is applicable to glutaric acid (glutaric anhydride) and tetramethyleneglutaric acid (tetramethyleneglutaric anhydride) modification of compound 19 as well.

Example 74 Preparation of an Oligonucleotide Analogue Comprising a Modified Terminal Group

To a solution of a 25-mer PMO containing a free 3′-end (27.7 mg, 3.226 μmol) in DMSO (300 μL) was added farnesyl bromide (1.75 μl, 6.452 μmol) and diisopropylethylamine (2.24 μL, 12.9 μmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The crude reaction mixture was diluted with 10 mL of 1% aqueous NH₄OH, and then loaded onto a 2 mL Amberchrome CG300M column. The column was then rinsed with 3 column volumes of water, and the product was eluted with 6 mL of 1:1 acetonitrile and water (v/v). The solution was then lyophilized to obtain the title compound as a white solid.

Example 75 Preparation of Morpholino Oligomers

Preparation of trityl piperazine phenyl carbamate 1b (see FIG. 1): To a cooled suspension of compound 1a in dichloromethane (6 mL/g 11) was added a solution of potassium carbonate (3.2 eq) in water (4 mL/g potassium carbonate). To this two-phase mixture was slowly added a solution of phenyl chloroformate (1.03 eq) in dichloromethane (2 g/g phenyl chloroformate). The reaction mixture was warmed to 20° C. Upon reaction completion (1-2 hr), the layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with water, and dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate. The product 1b was isolated by crystallization from acetonitrile. Yield=80%

Preparation of carbamate alcohol 1c: Sodium hydride (1.2 eq) was suspended in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (32 mL/g sodium hydride). To this suspension were added triethylene glycol (10.0 eq) and compound 1b (1.0 eq). The resulting slurry was heated to 95° C. Upon reaction completion (1-2 hr), the mixture was cooled to 20° C. To this mixture was added 30% dichloromethane/methyl tert-butyl ether (v:v) and water. The product-containing organic layer was washed successively with aqueous NaOH, aqueous succinic acid, and saturated aqueous sodium chloride. The product 1c was isolated by crystallization from dichloromethane/methyl tert-butyl ether/heptane. Yield=90%.

Preparation of Tail acid 1d: To a solution of compound 1c in tetrahydrofuran (7 mL/g 36) was added succinic anhydride (2.0 eq) and DMAP (0.5 eq). The mixture was heated to 50° C. Upon reaction completion (5 hr), the mixture was cooled to 20° C. and adjusted to pH 8.5 with aqueous NaHCO3. Methyl tert-butyl ether was added, and the product was extracted into the aqueous layer. Dichloromethane was added, and the mixture was adjusted to pH 3 with aqueous citric acid. The product-containing organic layer was washed with a mixture of pH=3 citrate buffer and saturated aqueous sodium chloride. This dichloromethane solution of 1d was used without isolation in the preparation of compound 1e.

Preparation of 1e: To the solution of compound 1d was added N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid imide (HONB) (1.02 eq), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (0.34 eq), and then 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) (1.1 eq). The mixture was heated to 55° C. Upon reaction completion (4-5 hr), the mixture was cooled to 20° C. and washed successively with 1:1 0.2 M citric acid/brine and brine. The dichloromethane solution underwent solvent exchange to acetone and then to N,N-dimethylformamide, and the product was isolated by precipitation from acetone/N,N-dimethylformamide into saturated aqueous sodium chloride. The crude product was reslurried several times in water to remove residual N,N-dimethylformamide and salts. Yield=70% of 1e from compound 1c. Introduction of the activated “Tail” onto the disulfide anchor-resin was performed in NMP by the procedure used for incorporation of the subunits during solid phase synthesis.

Preparation of the Solid Support for Synthesis of Morpholino Oligomers (see FIG. 2): This procedure was performed in a silanized, jacketed peptide vessel (custom made by ChemGlass, NJ, USA) with a coarse porosity (40-60 μm) glass frit, overhead stirrer, and 3-way Teflon stopcock to allow N2 to bubble up through the frit or a vacuum extraction. Temperature control was achieved in the reaction vessel by a circulating water bath.

The resin treatment/wash steps in the following procedure consist of two basic operations: resin fluidization and solvent/solution extraction. For resin fluidization, the stopcock was positioned to allow N2 flow up through the frit and the specified resin treatment/wash was added to the reactor and allowed to permeate and completely wet the resin. Mixing was then started and the resin slurry mixed for the specified time. For solvent/solution extraction, mixing and N2 flow were stopped and the vacuum pump was started and then the stopcock was positioned to allow evacuation of resin treatment/wash to waste. All resin treatment/wash volumes were 15 mL/g of resin unless noted otherwise.

To aminomethylpolystyrene resin (100-200 mesh; ˜1.0 mmol/g N2 substitution; 75 g, 1 eq, Polymer Labs, UK, part #1464-X799) in a silanized, jacketed peptide vessel was added 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP; 20 ml/g resin) and the resin was allowed to swell with mixing for 1-2 hr. Following evacuation of the swell solvent, the resin was washed with dichloromethane (2×1-2 min), 5% diisopropylethylamine in 25% isopropanol/dichloromethane (2×3-4 min) and dichloromethane (2×1-2 min). After evacuation of the final wash, the resin was fluidized with a solution of disulfide anchor 2a in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (0.17 M; 15 mL/g resin, ˜2.5 eq) and the resin/reagent mixture was heated at 45° C. for 60 hr. On reaction completion, heating was discontinued and the anchor solution was evacuated and the resin washed with 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (4×3-4 min) and dichloromethane (6×1-2 min). The resin was treated with a solution of 10% (v/v) diethyl dicarbonate in dichloromethane (16 mL/g; 2×5-6 min) and then washed with dichloromethane (6×1-2 min). The resin 2b was dried under a N2 stream for 1-3 hr and then under vacuum to constant weight (+2%). Yield: 110-150% of the original resin weight.

Determination of the Loading of Aminomethylpolystyrene-disulfide resin: The loading of the resin (number of potentially available reactive sites) is determined by a spectrometric assay for the number of triphenylmethyl (trityl) groups per gram of resin.

A known weight of dried resin (25±3 mg) is transferred to a silanized 25 ml volumetric flask and ˜5 mL of 2% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane is added. The contents are mixed by gentle swirling and then allowed to stand for 30 min. The volume is brought up to 25 mL with additional 2% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane and the contents thoroughly mixed. Using a positive displacement pipette, an aliquot of the trityl-containing solution (500 μL) is transferred to a 10 mL volumetric flask and the volume brought up to 10 mL with methanesulfonic acid.

The trityl cation content in the final solution is measured by UV absorbance at 431.7 nm and the resin loading calculated in trityl groups per gram resin (μmol/g) using the appropriate volumes, dilutions, extinction coefficient (ε: 41 μmol-1 cm-1) and resin weight. The assay is performed in triplicate and an average loading calculated.

The resin loading procedure in this example will provide resin with a loading of approximately 500 μmol/g. A loading of 300-400 in μmol/g was obtained if the disulfide anchor incorporation step is performed for 24 hr at room temperature.

Tail loading: Using the same setup and volumes as for the preparation of aminomethylpolystyrene-disulfide resin, the Tail can be introduced into the molecule. For the coupling step, a solution of 1e (0.2 M) in NMP containing 4-ethylmorpholine (NEM, 0.4 M) was used instead of the disulfide anchor solution. After 2 hr at 45° C., the resin 2b was washed twice with 5% diisopropylethylamine in 25% isopropanol/dichloromethane and once with DCM. To the resin was added a solution of benzoic anhydride (0.4 M) and NEM (0.4 M). After 25 min, the reactor jacket was cooled to room temperature, and the resin washed twice with 5% diisopropylethylamine in 25% isopropanol/dichloromethane and eight times with DCM. The resin 2c was filtered and dried under high vacuum. The loading for resin 2c is defined to be the loading of the original aminomethylpolystyrene-disulfide resin 2b used in the Tail loading.

Solid Phase Synthesis: Morpholino Oligomers were prepared on a Gilson AMS-422 Automated Peptide Synthesizer in 2 mL Gilson polypropylene reaction columns (Part #3980270). An aluminum block with channels for water flow was placed around the columns as they sat on the synthesizer. The AMS-422 will alternatively add reagent/wash solutions, hold for a specified time, and evacuate the columns using vacuum.

For oligomers in the range up to about 25 subunits in length, aminomethylpolystyrene-disulfide resin with loading near 500 μmol/g of resin is preferred. For larger oligomers, aminomethylpolystyrene-disulfide resin with loading of 300-400 μmol/g of resin is preferred. If a molecule with 5′-Tail is desired, resin that has been loaded with Tail is chosen with the same loading guidelines.

The following reagent solutions were prepared:

Detritylation Solution: 10% Cyanoacetic Acid (w/v) in 4:1 dichloromethane/acetonitrile; Neutralization Solution: 5% Diisopropylethylamine in 3:1 dichloromethane/isopropanol; Coupling Solution: 0.18 M (or 0.24 M for oligomers having grown longer than 20 subunits) activated Morpholino Subunit of the desired base and linkage type and 0.4 M N ethylmorpholine, in 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone. Dichloromethane (DCM) was used as a transitional wash separating the different reagent solution washes.

On the synthesizer, with the block set to 42° C., to each column containing 30 mg of aminomethylpolystyrene-disulfide resin (or Tail resin) was added 2 mL of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and allowed to sit at room temperature for 30 min. After washing with 2 times 2 mL of dichloromethane, the following synthesis cycle was employed:

Step Volume Delivery Hold time Detritylation 1.5 mL Manifold 15 seconds Detritylation 1.5 mL Manifold 15 seconds Detritylation 1.5 mL Manifold 15 seconds Detritylation 1.5 mL Manifold 15 seconds Detritylation 1.5 mL Manifold 15 seconds Detritylation 1.5 mL Manifold 15 seconds Detritylation 1.5 mL Manifold 15 seconds DCM 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Neutralization 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Neutralization 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Neutralization 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Neutralization 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Neutralization 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Neutralization 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds DCM 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Coupling 350 uL-500 uL Syringe 40 minutes DCM 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Neutralization 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds Neutralization 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds DCM 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds DCM 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds DCM 1.5 mL Manifold 30 seconds

The sequences of the individual oligomers were programmed into the synthesizer so that each column receives the proper coupling solution (A,C,G,T,I) in the proper sequence. When the oligomer in a column had completed incorporation of its final subunit, the column was removed from the block and a final cycle performed manually with a coupling solution comprised of 4-methoxytriphenylmethyl chloride (0.32 M in DMI) containing 0.89 M 4-ethylmorpholine.

Cleavage from the resin and removal of bases and backbone protecting groups: After methoxytritylation, the resin was washed 8 times with 2 mL 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. One mL of a cleavage solution consisting of 0.1 M 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT) and 0.73 M triethylamine in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was added, the column capped, and allowed to sit at room temperature for 30 min. After that time, the solution was drained into a 12 mL Wheaton vial. The greatly shrunken resin was washed twice with 300 μL of cleavage solution. To the solution was added 4.0 mL cone aqueous ammonia (stored at −20° C.), the vial capped tightly (with Teflon lined screw cap), and the mixture swirled to mix the solution. The vial was placed in a 45° C. oven for 16-24 hr to effect cleavage of base and backbone protecting groups.

Initial Oligomer Isolation: The vialed ammonolysis solution was removed from the oven and allowed to cool to room temperature. The solution was diluted with 20 mL of 0.28% aqueous ammonia and passed through a 2.5×10 cm column containing Macroprep HQ resin (BioRad). A salt gradient (A: 0.28% ammonia with B: 1 M sodium chloride in 0.28% ammonia; 0-100% B in 60 min) was used to elute the methoxytrityl containing peak. The combined fractions were pooled and further processed depending on the desired product.

Demethoxytritylation of Morpholino Oligomers: The pooled fractions from the Macroprep purification were treated with 1 M H3PO4 to lower the pH to 2.5. After initial mixing, the samples sat at room temperature for 4 min, at which time they are neutralized to pH 10-11 with 2.8% ammonia/water. The products were purified by solid phase extraction (SPE).

Amberchrome CG-300M (Rohm and Haas; Philadelphia, Pa.) (3 mL) is packed into 20 mL fritted columns (BioRad Econo-Pac Chromatography Columns (732-1011)) and the resin rinsed with 3 mL of the following: 0.28% NH4OH/80% acetonitrile; 0.5M NaOH/20% ethanol; water; 50 mM H3PO4/80% acetonitrile; water; 0.5 NaOH/20% ethanol; water; 0.28% NH4OH.

The solution from the demethoxytritylation was loaded onto the column and the resin rinsed three times with 3-6 mL 0.28% aqueous ammonia. A Wheaton vial (12 mL) was placed under the column and the product eluted by two washes with 2 mL of 45% acetonitrile in 0.28% aqueous ammonia. The solutions were frozen in dry ice and the vials placed in a freeze dryer to produce a fluffy white powder. The samples were dissolved in water, filtered through a 0.22 micron filter (Pall Life Sciences, Acrodisc 25 mm syringe filter, with a 0.2 micron HT Tuffryn membrane) using a syringe and the Optical Density (OD) was measured on a UV spectrophotometer to determine the OD units of oligomer present, as well as dispense sample for analysis. The solutions were then placed back in Wheaton vials for lyophilization.

Analysis of Morpholino Oligomers: MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used to determine the composition of fractions in purifications as well as provide evidence for identity (molecular weight) of the oligomers. Samples were run following dilution with solution of 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (sinapinic acid), 3,4,5-trihydoxyacetophenone (THAP) or alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA) as matrices.

Cation exchange (SCX) HPLC was performed using a Dionex ProPac SCX-10, 4×250 mm column (Dionex Corporation; Sunnyvale, Calif.) using 25 mM pH=5 sodium acetate 25% acetonitrile (Buffer A) and 25 mM pH=5 sodium acetate 25% acetonitrile 1.5 M potassium chloride (buffer B) (Gradient 10-100% B in 15 min) or 25 mM KH2PO4 25% acetonitrile at pH=3.5 (buffer A) and 25 mM KH2PO4 25% acetonitrile at pH=3.5 with 1.5 M potassium chloride (buffer B) (Gradient 0-35% B in 15 min). The former system was used for positively charged oligomers that do not have a peptide attached, while the latter was used for peptide conjugates.

Purification of Morpholino Oligomers by Cation Exchange Chromatography: The sample is dissolved in 20 mM sodium acetate, pH=4.5 (buffer A) and applied to a column of Source 30 cation exchange resin (GE Healthcare) and eluted with a gradient of 0.5 M sodium chloride in 20 mM sodium acetate and 40% acetonitrile, pH=4.5 (buffer B). The pooled fractions containing product are neutralized with cone aqueous ammonia and applied to an Amberchrome SPE column. The product is eluted, frozen, and lyophilized as above.

I. Biological Evaluation Example 1 Treatment of Influenza A Virus Infected Cells

A series of PMO containing various modified intersubunit linkages was prepared and used to treat influenza A virus-infected cells in culture. The PMO and PMO containing the modified intersubunit linkages of the present inventions were all designed to target the viral M1/M2 segment at the AUG start codon and have one of two base sequences. Inhibition of influenza A virus replication by antisense targeting of multiple sites within the M1/M2 segment is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/945,081 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition to inhibition of translation by targeting the common M1/M2 AUG start site, splice donor and splice acceptor sites can also be targeted using compounds of the invention.

An alveolar murine macrophage cell line (ATCC; AMJ2-C11) was infected at 0.1 MOI with H1N1 (strain PR8) and 1 hour post-infection test compound was added. Cells were incubated at 35 degrees C. overnight. Viral supernatant was then taken and incubated with VNAR protease to release viral RNA. HA RNA was quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cells were washed, fixed, and permeabilized. M1 and M2 proteins were then probed with monoclonal antibodies for 30 min at 37 degrees C. Cells were washed and anti-mouse IgG conjugated with Alexa 646 was added for 15 min at room temperature. M1 and M2 were then assayed by flow cytometry. To determine M1 and M2 protein levels, the percent of M1 or M2 positive cells was multiplied by the mean fluorescent intensity of M1 or M2. Each sample was then divided by the untreated control to generate the percent of M1 or M2 compared to untreated scramble controls.

A reduction in viral M2 protein levels from cells treated with various compounds of the disclosure was observed. The flow cytometry method described above was used to determine relative M2 protein expression after treatment at 60 micromolar. The compounds of the disclosure inhibited the production of the M2 protein to varying degrees.

Example 2 Treatment of Influenza A Virus Infected Mice In Vivo

Additional experiments in support of the invention were performed using Balb/c mice infected with the PR8 strain of influenza A. Mice were infected with 3.5 TCID₅₀ via an intranasal inoculation after being treated 4 hours prior with various compound of the invention disclosed herein. In some experiments an additional dose of test compound was administered at 96 hr post-infection. All doses consisted of 100 micrograms of test compound in 50 microliters of PBS and were administered by intranasal insufflation. The weight of the animals were monitored daily and was used as a clinical endpoint for antiviral drug activity. At day 7 post-infection the animals were sacrificed and lungs were harvested for viral load determinations using the qRT-PCR method described in Example 1.

TCID₅₀ determinations were made using half-log serial dilutions of the lung homogenates and plated onto AMJ-C12 macrophage cells. After 24 hr at 35 degrees C., the media was changed and incubated for an additional 72 h at 35 degrees C. 50 mL of a solution of 0.5% chicken RBC in PBS was added and incubated for 1 h at 4 degrees C. Hemagglutination pattern was read and TCID₅₀ were calculated using the Reed and Muench method. TCID50 values were then normalized to input tissue weight.

The compounds of the invention as disclosed herein show increased antiviral activity and decreased weight loss compared to a PMOplus compound after H1N1 infection. Balb/c mice (n=4) were infected with H1N1 and given a single 100 microgram dose of test compound 4 hours prior to infection. Mice were weighed daily and percent weight loss was determined from pre-infection weight. Lungs were harvested day 7 post-infection and assayed for viral load by TCID₅₀. Results are presented as the fold increase in antiviral activity over naked PMO. This experiment shows approximately 50-fold increased antiviral activity of two PMO-X compounds compared to un-modified PMO and approximately 10-fold higher activity compared to a PMOplus compound.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/561,806 filed on Nov. 18, 2011; which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound having the structure of Formula (I):

or a salt or isomer thereof, wherein: n is an integer from 2-35; G⁵ is halogen, OH, alkoxy, OSO₂(alkyl), OSO₂(aryl), or

each B is an independently selected base pair moiety; each Y is independently O or NR¹⁰; each W is independently S or O; Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵), -(L¹¹)-(L¹⁵)-(R¹⁶), or -(L¹¹)-(L¹²)-(R¹⁷); L¹¹ is selected from:

wherein L¹³ is selected from:

 L¹² is a linker cleaveable under biological conditions selected from: a) —(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-OC(O)O—CH₂O—; b) —C(O)—(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-OC(O)O—CH₂O—; c) —C(O)—(CH═CH)—C(O)O—CH₂O—; d) —(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-S—S—CH₂CH₂O—; or e) —C(O)—(C₁-C₁₀ alkylene)-S—S—CH₂CH₂O—; L¹⁵ is divalent radical selected from C₁-C₃₀ alkylene, C₃-C₈cycloalkylene, C₆-C₃₀ arylene, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₂-C₃₀ alkoxy)-C(═O)—, -(3-18 membered heteroalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈ cycloalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈ cycloalkylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene) (C₃-C₈ cycloalkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-C(═O)—, —(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₃-C₈ cycloalkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₇-C₃₀ arylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —(C₆-C₃₀ arylene)-(C₁-C₃₀ alkylene)-O—C(═O)—, —C(═O)OR²¹, or —P(═O)(R²²)₂; R¹² is an electron pair, with the provision that if R¹³ is C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, then R¹² is an electron pair, an N-oxide, or C₁-C₆ alkyl; each R¹⁰ and R¹³ is independently selected from hydrogen, a cell-penetrating peptide, a natural or non-natural amino acid, guanidinyl, amidinyl, heterocyclyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl; C₆-C₃₀ aryl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, C₆-C₃₀ arylcarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₈-C₃₀ aralkyloxycarbonyl, —C(═O)OR²¹, —C(═O)NHR²¹, or —P(═O)(R²²)₂; R¹⁵ is independently selected from a cell-penetrating peptide, a natural or non-natural amino acid, guanidinyl, amidinyl, heterocyclyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl; C₆-C₃₀ aryl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkyl, C₁-C₃₀ alkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylcarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, C₆-C₃₀ arylcarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aralkylcarbonyl, C₂-C₃₀ alkyloxycarbonyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, C₇-C₃₀ aryloxycarbonyl, C₈-C₃₀ aralkyloxycarbonyl, 3-18 membered alkoxyalkylcarbonyl, —SO₂R²¹, —C(═O)OR²¹, —P(═O)(OH)₂ or —P(═O)(R²²)₂; R¹⁶ is a solid support matrix suitable for solid phase synthesis of oligonucleotides; R¹⁷ is a drug, protein or toxin; each R²¹ is independently C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, or a 3-18 membered alkoxyalkyl group; each R²² is independently an C₆-C₁₂ aryloxy; each R²³ is independently H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; or optionally two R²³ groups join to form a 3- to 8-membered ring; R²⁴ is a C₁-C₆ alkylene; Q is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8; each X is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8 wherein at least two instances of X are selected from X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8; wherein X1 is N(CH₃)₂; X2 is selected from: a) —O-alkylene-CO₂H; b) —O-alkylene-CHN₄; c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CO₂H; d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CHN₄; e) -L1-CO-alkylene-CO₂H; f) -L1-CO-alkylene-CHN₄; g) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CO₂H; h) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CHN₄; i) -L1-CO-arylene-CO₂H; j) -L1-CO-arylene-CHN₄; k) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CO₂H; l) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CHN₄; m) -L1-CONH-arylene-CO₂H; n) -L1-CONH-arylene-CHN₄; o) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CO₂H; p) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CHN₄; q) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CO₂H; r) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CHN₄; s) -L1-alkylene-CO₂H; t) -L1-alkylene-CHN₄; u) -L1-arylene-CO₂H; v) -L1-arylene-CHN₄; and w) a protected form of any of the above X2 groups; X3 is selected from: a) -L1-alkyl; b) -L1-heterocyclyl; c) —O-alkylene-CNH—NH₂; d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-CNH—NH₂; e) -L1-CNH—NH₂; f) -L1-alkylene-CNH—NH₂; g) -L1-arylene-CNH—NH₂; h) -L1-CO-alkylene-CNH—NH₂; i) -L1-CO-alkenylene-CNH—NH₂; j) -L1-CO-arylene-CNH—NH₂; k) -L1-CONH-alkylene-CNH—NH₂; l) -L1-CONH-arylene-CNH—NH₂; m) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-CNH—NH₂; n) -L1-SO₂-arylene-CNH—NH₂; o) —O-alkylene-N(R¹)₂; p) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)₂; q) -L1-N(R¹)₂; r) -L1-alkylene-N(R¹)₂; s) -L1-arylene-N(R¹)₂; t) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R¹)₂; u) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R¹)₂; v) -L1-CO-arylene-N(R¹)₂; w) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R¹)₂; x) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R¹)₂; y) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R¹)₂; z) —O-alkylene-N(R²)₃; aa) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R²)₃; bb) -L1-N(R²)₃; cc) -L1-alkylene-N(R²)₃; dd) -L1-arylene-N(R²)₃; ee) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(R²)₃; ff) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(R²)₃; gg) -L1-CO-arylene-N(R²)₃; hh) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(R²)₃; ii) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(R²)₃; jj) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(R²)₃; kk) —O-alkylene-heterocyclyl; ll) —N(R¹)-alkylene-heterocyclyl; mm) -L1-alkylene-heterocyclyl; nn) -L1-arylene-heterocyclyl; oo) -L1-CO-alkylene-heterocyclyl; pp) -L1-CO-alkenylene-heterocyclyl; qq) -L1-CO-arylene-heterocyclyl; rr) -L1-CONH-alkylene-heterocyclyl; ss) -L1-CONH-arylene-heterocyclyl; tt) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heterocyclyl; uu) —O-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂; vv) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂; ww) -L1-N(O)(R²)₂; xx) -L1-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂; yy) -L1-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂; zz) -L1-CO-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂; aaa) -L1-CO-alkenylene-N(O)(R²)₂₃; bbb) -L1-CO-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂; ccc) -L1-CONH-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂; ddd) -L1-CONH-arylene-N(O)(R²)₂; eee) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂; fff) —O-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; ggg) —N(R¹)-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; hhh) -L1-NH—CNH—NH₂; iii) -L1-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; jjj) -L1-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; kkk) -L1-CO-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; lll) -L1-CO-alkenylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; mmm) -L1-CO-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; nnn) -L1-CONH-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; ooo) -L1-CONH-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; ppp) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; qqq) -L1-SO₂-arylene-NH—CNH—NH₂; and rrr) a protected form of any of the above X3 groups; X4 is selected from: a) —O-alkylene-aryl; b) —N(R¹)-aryl; c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-aryl; d) -L1-CO-alkylene-aryl; e) -L1-CO-alkenylene-aryl; f) -L1-CO-arylene-aryl; g) -L1-CONH-alkylene-aryl; h) -L1-CONH-arylene-aryl; i) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-aryl; j) -L1-SO₂-arylene-aryl; k) -L1-alkylene-aryl; l) -L1-arylene-aryl; m) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-aryl; n) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-aryl; o) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-aryl; p) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-aryl; q) -L1-aryl; r) -L1-CO-aryl; s) -L1-SO₂-aryl; t) -L1-alkylene-P(aryl)₃; u) -L1-CO-alkylene-P(aryl)₃; v) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-P(aryl)₃; and w) a protected form of any of the above X4 groups; X5 is selected from: a) —O-alkylene-heteroaryl; b) —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl; c) -L1-CO-alkylene-heteroaryl; d) -L1-CO-alkenylene-heteroaryl; e) -L1-CO-arylene-heteroaryl; f) -L1-CONH-alkylene-heteroaryl; g) -L1-CONH-arylene-heteroaryl; h) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heteroaryl; i) -L1-SO₂-arylene-heteroaryl; j) -L1-alkylene-heteroaryl; k) -L1-arylene-heteroaryl; l) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-heteroaryl; m) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-heteroaryl; n) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-heteroaryl; o) —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-heteroaryl; p) -L1-heteroaryl; and q) a protected form of any of the above X5 groups; X6 is selected from: a) —O-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; b) —O-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃; c) —N(R¹)-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; d) —N(R¹)-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃; e) —N(R¹)-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; f) —N(R¹)-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃; g) -L1-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; h) -L1-CO-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; i) -L1-CO-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃; j) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; k) -L1-SO₂-alkylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃; l) -L1-CO-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; m) -L1-CO-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃; n) -L1-SO₂-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; o) -L1-SO₂-arylene-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃; p) -L1-CO—(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OH; q) -L1-CO—(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)OCH₃; r) —N(R¹)-(dibenzo-18-crown-6); s) an aza-crown ether; and t) a protected form of any of the above X6 groups; X7 is selected from: a) -heterocyclyl; b) —N(R¹)(R³) c) -L1-hydrogen; d) -L1-alkyl; e) -L1-CO-alkyl; f) -L1-CONH-alkyl; g) -L1-CON(alkyl)-alkyl; h) -L1-SO₂-alkyl; and i) a protected form of any of the above X7 groups; X8 is selected from: a) -L1-CA; b) -L1-dCA; c) -L1-COCH₂(R⁴) d) -L1-COCH(R⁴)NHCO₂-alkyl; e) —OR⁵; f) a protected form of any of the above X8 groups; each R¹ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or a cell-penetrating peptide; each R² is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl or optionally when two R² are C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, two R² are joined to form a heterocyclic ring; each R³ is independently C₂-C₁₈ alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; each R⁴ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, sulfhydrylalkyl, or arylalkyl; each R⁵ is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; each R⁶ is independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; L1 is selected from:

wherein each Q¹ and Q² are each selected from a bond, —O— or —N(R⁶)—; each E¹ is independently selected from optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; each E² is independently an optionally substituted nitrogen containing heteroaryl; each L⁴ and L⁵ are each independently a bond, optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, or optionally substituted heteroalkyl; and m, p, q, s, and t are each independently 1-4, wherein if the X group proximal to the 3′ terminus is:

 then at least three other X groups are not X1.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵); each Y is independently O, NH, or NR¹⁰; each W is O; each R¹ is independently hydrogen or alkyl; each R² is independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl; and each X is independently selected from X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, or X8.
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹³ is an optionally substituted triphenylmethyl group.
 4. The compound of claim 2, wherein G⁵ is


5. The compound of claim 4 wherein each W is O and each Y is O.
 6. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is selected from:


7. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is selected from -L1-heterocyclyl, and wherein L1 is selected from:


8. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is selected from:


9. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is selected from —N(R¹)-alkylene-CNH—NH₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)₂, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R²)₃, —N(R¹)-alkylene-heterocyclyl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(O)(R²)₂, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-NH—CNH—NH₂.
 10. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is selected from —O-alkylene-aryl, —N(R¹)-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-aryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-aryl, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-aryl.
 11. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is selected from —O-alkylene-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CO-heteroaryl, —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)SO₂-heteroaryl, and —N(R¹)-alkylene-N(R¹)CH₂-heteroaryl.
 12. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is selected from -L1-heteroaryl, -L1-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-arylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CO-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CO-alkenylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CO-arylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CONH-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-CONH-arylene-heteroaryl, -L1-SO₂-alkylene-heteroaryl, -L1-SO₂-arylene-heteroaryl.
 13. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is -L1-CO-alkyl.
 14. The compound of claim 5, wherein at least one X is X8.
 15. The compound of claim 5, wherein Z⁵ is -(L¹¹)-(R¹⁵) wherein R¹⁵ is selected from —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OH, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH, or —C(═O)OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OH.
 16. The compound of claim 15, wherein Z⁵ is 